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Yardstik Honored by Newsweek as One of “America’s Greatest Startup Workplaces” 2025

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MINNEAPOLIS, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yardstik, a measurably better technology company serving the screening, fraud, and compliance space, has been recognized as one of Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Startup Workplaces 2025.” This honor highlights the top 250 U.S.-based startups that excel in workplace culture and sustainable growth, all based on an independent research study.

Yardstik awarded Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Startup Workplaces” 2025

Out of more than 20,000 startups evaluated across the country, only 250 earned a coveted spot on Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Startup Workplaces 2025 list—placing Yardstik in the top 1% of emerging companies nationwide. The study, conducted in partnership with research firm Plant-A Insights, analyzed over 20 key indicators of workplace excellence, including employee satisfaction, operational performance, customer impact, investor confidence, and growth trajectory. Yardstik stood out not only for its strong momentum and culture of innovation—but as the only Minnesota-based startup to make the list.

“Building a high-performing company starts with building the right team—and that’s been our greatest advantage,” said Yardstik CEO Andrew Johnson. “This recognition from Newsweek isn’t just about what we’re doing—it’s about how we’re doing it. We’re rewriting the rules of a legacy industry by moving fast, staying customer-obsessed, and investing deeply in our people. I couldn’t be prouder of our team here in Minneapolis and across the country. They’re the reason we’re on this list—and the reason we’re just getting started.”

Yardstik is on a mission to reduce people-related risk in the workplace. And it’s catching on. Experiencing massive growth since its launch, the company acquired over 500 new customers in 2024 alone. Yardstik is based in Minneapolis and backed by partners MissionOG, Grotech Ventures, Rally Ventures, and Crosslink Capital.

About Yardstik
Yardstik is a technology company that helps high-volume hiring businesses run fewer background checks. Launched in Minneapolis in 2020, the company is reinventing risk technology for the modern era. Yardstik’s mix of screening, fraud, and compliance products helps organizations optimize worker vetting and expedite business growth. Today, thousands of customers trust Yardstik’s technology and team to manage their pre- and post-hire risk.

Yardstik: Measurably better.

For more information, visit https://yardstik.com.

Contact Information:
Hannah Blaisdell
Head of Marketing
hannah.blaisdell@yardstik.com 

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SOURCE Yardstik, Inc.

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AutoShop Answers and Rilla Launch Groundbreaking AI Initiative — Changing the Automotive Industry Forever

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HOUSTON, April 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AutoShop Answers, a leader in automotive service training and innovation, has officially partnered with Rilla, the premier AI-powered speech analytics company, to launch a groundbreaking initiative that is set to redefine the future of the auto repair industry.

This historic collaboration integrates Rilla’s advanced AI virtual ride-along and conversation analytics technology into the AutoShop Answers coaching platform, delivering a game-changing experience in customer engagement, service advisor training, and operational excellence.

Sebastian Jimenez, CEO of Rilla and NYU Stern graduate, brings a unique background — combining business acumen with a fresh approach to coaching drawn from his early stand-up comedy experience — to revolutionize how businesses train, coach, and grow. Rilla’s AI captures and analyzes real-time customer interactions, delivering actionable coaching insights hands-free.

Todd Hayes, founder of AutoShop Answers and a 30-year veteran of the auto repair industry, emphasized the significance of the launch:

“With Rilla’s AI, we’re not just training — we’re transforming. This technology allows us to coach sales calls, audit scripts, and elevate customer service like never before.”

The partnership officially debuted at AutoShop Answers’ sold-out Key to Key to Callbacks Weekend in Houston, Texas — a record-breaking, standing-room-only event filled with innovation, coaching breakthroughs, and more than 80 bursts of applause from an energized national audience.

The weekend began with a national online Strategy Saturday, hosted live by AutoShop Answers’ Glenn Piccolo. Todd Hayes then took the stage to share defining moments from his career, culminating in the official launch of AutoShop Answers AIX, powered by Rilla. Sebastian Jimenez joined the stage to introduce Rilla’s revolutionary capabilities to the automotive sector — ushering in a new high watermark for AI-powered live coaching and customer journey analysis.

The excitement continued with a special visit from Sunil Patel, CEO of Tekmetric, celebrating Tekmetric’s incredible milestone of reaching 10,000 auto shops nationwide. Congratulations were extended to both Tekmetric and ShopGenie, two of AutoShop Answers’ valued program sponsors.

The event also celebrated individual achievements, with Lynn Massengill receiving special recognition for surpassing both the $300,000 and $400,000 monthly revenue marks through AutoShop Answers coaching — truly a testament to the impact of training, innovation, and commitment.

Today, AutoShop Answers continues its momentum with the unveiling of the SPARR system, an AI-automated presentation platform that further advances their mission to empower service advisors and drive world-class customer service.

Next AutoShop Answers Key to Key to Callbacks Program: May 17–18!

Seats are already filling fast.

Learn more and register at: www.autoshopanswers.com

For more information, visit:
rilla.com
autoshopanswers.com

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SOURCE Autoshop Answers

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Appotronics Debuts Full-Vehicle Optical System at Shanghai Auto Show

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SHANGHAI, April 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At Auto Shanghai 2025, Appotronics (688007.SH), the inventor of ALPD® laser display technology, unveiled its groundbreaking Lingjing Intelligent Automotive Optical System – a comprehensive solution enabling dynamic projections on any vehicle surface, both interior and exterior, including windshields, dashboards, seats, and windows. The system delivers high-luminance lighting and interactive displays, transforming vehicles into responsive ‘digital emotional spaces’ that adapt to occupants’ needs in real time.

The system spans seven key application scenarios, redefining in-vehicle functionality and user experience:

Artistic ambient lighting,Rear-seat entertainment with privacy-preserving large-screen projection,Dynamic pathway lighting that conveys mood and context,Boundary-free interactive displays on smart surfaces,Side window interfaces for human-vehicle interaction,ALL-in-ONE laser smart headlights combining illumination and display capabilities.

Yu Xin, Vice President of Appotronics, highlighted the company’s evolution in automotive innovation: “We’re moving beyond just supplying hardware to co-creating smart mobility experiences. By sharing our core technology platform, we’re collaborating with carmakers and developers to unlock new ways AI and optical tech can work together. Our goal is to turn cars from simple transport into ‘digital emotional spaces’—where every journey is tailored to its occupants, powered by AI and advanced laser tech.” This vision is already taking shape, with 13 active development orders underscoring Appotronics’ momentum in next-gen automotive optics.

Visitors can experience the technology firsthand at Hall 2.2H | Booth 2BA032 (National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai) through May 2.

About Appotronics

Appotronics is the inventor of ALPD® laser display technology and one of the first companies to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market. From optics for cinemas, vehicles, and homes to AR glasses, Appotronics’ cutting-edge products are designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses worldwide.

Learn more at https://www.appotronics.com/

Media Contact 
Ma Chunli
machunli@appotronics.com

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SOURCE Appotronics Corporation Ltd.

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TCL Electronics (01070.HK) Global TV Shipment and Sales Revenue Maintain High Growth in 2025Q1

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Continued Product Mix Optimisation Yields Over 230% YoY Expansion in Global Shipment of Mini LED TV

HONG KONG, April 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TCL Electronics Holdings Limited (“TCL Electronics” or the “Company”, 01070.HK) today announced its global TV shipment data for the first quarter of 2025. Driven by the dual-brand strategy of “TCL + Falcon” and the intensified execution of its “mid-to-high-end and large-screen” positioning, alongside sustained advances in product competitiveness complemented by Mini LED, QLED, AI and other cutting-edge technologies, the Company achieved a solid start to the year. The global shipment of TCL TV reached 6.51 million sets, representing a year-on-year (“YoY”) increase of 11.4%. Benefitting from the increase in the shipment proportion of large-screen and high-end products, the sales revenue of TCL TV increased by 22.3% YoY in the first quarter.

Technological Advancements Elevate Competitive Positioning, Large-Screen and Mid-to-High-End TVs Gain Further Global Popularity

Capitalising on the global shift towards large-screen and high-end products, TCL Electronics has driven significant growth in the shipment of large-screen and high-end product series. In the first quarter of 2025, the global shipment of 65-inch and above TCL TV grew by 33.0% YoY, with its shipment proportion rising by 4.5 percentage points to 27.7%. The global shipment of 75-inch and above TCL TV exhibited even more pronounced acceleration, surging by 41.6% YoY, with the corresponding shipment proportion up by 2.9 percentage points to 13.7%. The average screen size of global shipment of TCL TV increased by 1.9 inches YoY to 53.4 inches.

The Company also continued to deepen its technological infrastructure in high-end display products. Its flagship Mini LED TV is equipped with next-generation features such as the CrystGlow WHVA Panel and All-domain Halo Control Technology, delivering enhanced contrast, minimised reflection, wider viewing angles and seamless screen borders. These innovations significantly enriched picture quality and colour accuracy, greatly enhancing the users’ visual experience. The exceptional consumer response to these innovations has been demonstrated trough robust global market acceptance. In the first quarter of 2025, global shipment of TCL QLED TV rose by 74.9% YoY to 1.33 million sets, while the global shipment of TCL Mini LED TV surged by 232.9% YoY to approximately 0.55 million sets.

Domestic and Overseas Markets Both Record Double-Digit Growth in Shipment While Global Market Share in Multiple Regions Takes the Lead in the Industry

In the PRC market, driven by sustained brand development and technology-led product innovation, TCL TV shipment in the PRC market expanded by 10.8% YoY in the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, the strategy of focusing on large-screen and mid-to-high-end products has yielded remarkable results, with continuous improvement in the product structure. Notably, the shipment of 65-inche and above TCL TV grew by 18.3%, rising by 3.5 percentage points to 54.7% of total domestic shipment, while the shipment of 75-inch and above TCL TV rose by 21.0% YoY, with the proportion of shipment increasing by 3.0 percentage points to 34.9%. The shipment of TCL Mini LED TV has surged by 341.1% YoY, with its shipment proportion substantially increasing by 13.2 percentage points to 17.6%. In the first quarter of 2025, the market share in terms of retail sales revenue and retail sales volume of TCL TV in the PRC market rose to 23.1% and 22.1%, respectively, both ranking among the top two in the PRC market[1]. Continuous improvement of the product mix has driven the further increase in sales revenue.  In the first quarter, the sales revenue of TCL TV in the PRC market increased by 35.4% YoY, and the average selling price rose by 22.2% YoY.

In terms of the international market, TCL officially announced that it had become a Worldwide Olympic Partner in February 2025, marking a significant milestone in enhancing its global brand awareness and influence. TCL will deliver comprehensive technological infrastructure, advanced product solutions and specialised professional services to support Olympic Games operations across multiple smart device categories such as TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines. This strategic partnership, coupled with precise sports marketing deployment, strategic event sponsorship and a systematic construction of its global customer management system, further strengthened global marketing effectiveness. In the first quarter of 2025, TCL TV shipment in international market grew by 11.6% YoY. The shipment of large-screen TV showed particularly strong YoY momentum, with 65-inch and above TCL TV increasing by 48.5% YoY and 75-inch and above TCL TV surging by 86.8%. The significant rise of the shipment of large-screen TCL TV stimulated the sales revenue of TCL TV in the international market increasing by 17.2% YoY.

By region, the European market has achieved rapid breakthrough by precisely laying out regional channel networks through a “one-country-one-policy” approach. The shipment of TCL-branded TV in the European market increased by 15.8% YoY, with the shipment of 75-inch and above TCL TV surging by 74.4%. TCL TV ranked among the top two in retail sales volume in France, Poland and Sweden[2], while ranked third in Spain, Romania, Greece, and the Czech Republic[2]. In emerging markets, encompassing Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa, further optimisation of the sports marketing matrix and continued upgrades to sales and retail channels led to a 18.8% YoY rise in the shipment of TCL TV, with the shipment of 75-inch and above TCL TV surging by 100.5%. TCL TV secured the No.1 position in retail sales volume in Australia and the Philippines, and ranked among the top two in Brazil, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Myanmar, while ranked third in Argentina, Vietnam, and South Korea[2]. In North America, the Company has strategically pivoted to focus on mid-to-high-end distribution channel penetration. While this recalibration resulted in a modest 3.8% YoY decline in TV shipment, the implementation of mid-to-high-end strategy has yielded significant results in the large-screen segments. The shipment of 75-inch and above TCL TV increased by 79.3% YoY, with its shipment proportion rising by 5.8 percentage points to 12.5%. TCL TV maintained a top-two retail market share in the United States[3].

Harnessing enduring winds with steadfast resolve, and soaring ever higher with bold ambition. TCL Electronics will continue to pursue its strategy of “Lead with Brand Value, Excel in Global Efficiency, Drive with Technology, Thrive on Global Vitality”. The Company remains strategically aligned with its consumer-centric value creation imperative, adhering to its mid-to-high-end development roadmap through continuous refinement of its product portfolio, accelerated research and development investment, precision-calibrated regional strategies and enhanced global localisation, as it advances resolutely towards becoming a truly global leading enterprise.

TV Shipment Data for the First Quarter of 2025 (unaudited)

Unit: Set

2025 Q1

2024 Q1

Large-sized display – Global Shipment of TCL TV

6,507,078

5,840,635

– Proportion of 65 inches and above TCL TV by global shipment

27.7 %

23.2 %

       – Proportion of 65 inches and above TCL TV by shipment in the PRC market

54.7 %

51.2 %

       – Proportion of 65 inches and above TCL TV by shipment in the international market

19.6 %

14.7 %

– Proportion of 75 inches and above TCL TV by global shipment

13.7 %

10.8 %

       – Proportion of 75 inches and above TCL TV by shipment in the PRC market

34.9 %

31.9 %

       – Proportion of 75 inches and above TCL TV by shipment in the international market

7.3 %

4.4 %

– Proportion of TCL Mini LED TV by global shipment

8.8 %

3.0 %

       – Proportion of TCL Mini LED TV by shipment in the PRC market

17.6 %

4.4 %

       – Proportion of TCL Mini LED TV by shipment in the international market

6.0 %

2.5 %

About TCL Electronics

TCL Electronics Holdings Limited (01070.HK, incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) was listed on the mainboard of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in November 1999. It is engaged in display business, innovative business and internet business. TCL Electronics actively transforms and innovates under the strategy of “Lead with Brand Value, Excel in Global Efficiency, Drive with Technology, Thrive on Global Vitality”. Focusing on the mid-to-high-end markets around the world, the Company strives to consolidate the “Intelligent IoT Ecosystem” strategy and is committed to providing users with an all-scenario smart and healthy life while developing into a world-leading smart technology company. TCL Electronics is part of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program and is included in the Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Index, the Hang Seng Composite MidCap & SmallCap Index and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index. Besides, it has received Hang Seng Index’s ESG rating of A for consecutive years since 2018.

For more information, please visit the investor relations web page of TCL Electronics at   http://electronics.tcl.com or follow the Official Account of TCL Electronics investor relations.

[1] Data Source: Retail sales revenue and retail sales volume of TV brand of the first quarter of 2025 in the PRC market from CMM’s omni-channel data.

[2] Data Source: Retail sales volume in January 2025 to February 2025 from GfK.

[3] Data Source: Retail sales volume in January 2025 to February 2025 from Circana.

 

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SOURCE TCL Electronics Holdings Limited

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