Day: 1 November 2023

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eXp Realty Unveils Innovative Partnership with HomeHunter To Streamline International Property Search

eXp Realty Unveils Innovative Partnership with HomeHunter To Streamline International Property Search

eXp Realty®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™” and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), announced today a new partnership with HomeHunter, an innovative web application designed to improve the home search process for consumers across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand.

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — eXp Realty®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™” and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), announced today a new partnership with HomeHunter, an innovative web application designed to improve the home search process for consumers across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand.

HomeHunter is powered by WikiRealty and goes beyond a traditional search tool, providing a personalized, comprehensive and centralized platform for an easy global home search. It goes beyond the limits of individual searches to streamline the hunt for a home, bringing together data from numerous international platforms. It also features an intuitive bookmarking function that allows users to save their favorite properties from different regions and platforms with just a single click, and provides a curated list of property suggestions based on user search history.

“HomeHunter is poised to become a core source for listing data all over the world with unprecedented opportunities,” said Glenn Sanford, founder and CEO of eXp Realty. “We are immensely proud to be the pioneering brokerage to offer our agents access to this tool to improve the home search experience for their clients. It exemplifies our commitment to enhancing our agents’ value proposition on an international scale. By streamlining the home-buying process for consumers, this tool empowers eXp Realty agents to allocate more of their time to revenue-generating opportunities.”

About eXp World Holdings, Inc.

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty®, Virbela® and SUCCESS® Enterprises.

eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 89,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico, Portugal, France, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Israel, Panama, Germany, Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Poland and Dubai and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including its innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by Virbela, an immersive 3D platform that is deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication.

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

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the availability of incentive programs in international markets and the future value of financial incentive programs. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in business or other market conditions; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; and other risks detailed from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Media Relations Contact:

eXp World Holdings, Inc.
mediarelations@expworldholdings.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Denise Garcia
investors@expworldholdings.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46667153-6cfb-4078-8cac-368b0a36d78b

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8970566

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Japan’s WAFUU.COM: 20-Language Global Expansion, 1200%+ Growth

Operated by QRESTIA Inc., WAFUU.COM is a Japan-based e-commerce site that offers a curated selection of Japanese cosmetics, snacks, anime, games, and gadgets. We aim to share the allure of Japan globally, offering multi-language support and extensive shipping options.

WAFUU.COM: Japan-Based Cross-Border E-Commerce Site Expands to 70 Countries with 20-Language Support

WAFUU.COM, a Japan-based e-commerce platform, breaks new ground by expanding its shipping network to 70 countries and providing a 20-language interface, bringing Japanese culture closer to a global audience.

WAFUU-JAPAN

TOKYO, Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world’s fascination with Japanese culture is far from waning, and WAFUU.COM, operated by QRESTIA Inc., has taken ambitious steps to meet this global demand. The growth rate of over 1200% (compared to the same month last year) is attributed to an expansive product range, multi-language support, the impact of a weaker yen, and an expanded target audience.

This initiative was brought to life by a team deeply passionate about sharing the beauty of Japan. WAFUU.COM has recently expanded its offerings by initiating shipping to 70 countries and adding support for 20 languages, breaking down previous challenges of restricted shipping zones, high shipping costs, and language barriers to reach an even wider audience than before.

This growth suggests that our multi-language platform is effectively reaching countries that previously had limited access to Japanese products. As we continue to refine the user experience, several future upgrades are planned to make the platform more user-friendly. “We have always aimed to build a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world, and this new initiative helps us do just that,” says FUKADA HIDEMASA, CEO of QRESTIA Inc.

Before pivoting to its current e-commerce model, WAFUU.COM was engaged in a business that actively utilized web marketing. This well-honed expertise and experience have been seamlessly transitioned into their new venture in cross-border e-commerce. Product selection is backed by comprehensive market research and AI technology, taking into account both global and local Japanese trends as well as online and offline purchasing data. Building on previous experience with multi-language business operations, the company has also accelerated its multi-language support, making Japanese products more accessible than ever. This multi-faceted approach ensures a product lineup that resonates with a diverse customer base.” For more information, visit https://wafuu.com/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8aecd815-8139-4240-a056-bf82abf32f15

CONTACT FUKADA HIDEMASA
COMPANY QRESTIA Inc.
PHONE +81-35726-9180
EMAIL pr@qrestia.com
WEB https://wafuu.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8967985

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Cyberport Venture Capital Forum 2023 Kicks Off 

The Forum’s Inauguration Celebrates 6th Anniversary of Cyberport Investors Network (CIN), Standing as a Network of Over 170 Members Facilitated an Accumulated Investment of over HK$ 2 billion (US$ 255 Million)

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 November 2023 – Cyberport Venture Capital Forum 2023, an annual premier event in the global venture capital scene organised by Cyberport, inaugurated yesterday. Themed “Venture Forward: Game Changing through Innovation”, the 2-day hybrid forum gathers a dynamic blend of over 80 world’s influential venture experts, entrepreneurial visionaries and innovative thinkers, who delve into the prospects and strategies for the venture capital market to capitalise on emerging trends such as Web3 and artificial intelligence (AI). As global economic momentum shifts eastward, this year’s Forum is also taking the lead in fostering regional collaboration, with specific focuses on the Middle East, ASEAN, and the Greater Bay Area, recognising them as promising hubs of opportunity.Cyberport Venture Capital Forum 2023 (CVCF) kicked off yesterday with over 80 world renowned venture experts and innovative thinkers discussing prospects and strategies for the venture capital market.

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, said in his remarks, “Cyberport has all along been a powerhouse in our vibrant I&T community. A few weeks ago, we were honoured to receive the delegation of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, awarding Cyberport as the ‘State-level Scientific and Technological Incubator’ since 2020. This is a recognition of Cyberport’s steering efforts and remarkable achievements in providing incubation and support services to the Hong Kong start-up enterprises. I&T development, start-up incubation, financing, and long-term growth must come as one to make the whole entrepreneurship ecosystem work. Let us all take forward strides and venture into a new exciting chapter of the digitalised world.”

“As we ‘venture forward’, innovation is the key to ‘change the game’”, said Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, “The Policy Address, announced last week, included an AI supercomputing centre to be built in Cyberport in phases from 2024, to support the huge demand for computing power from R&D, academic and industry sectors and promote AI ecosystem and industry development. This manifests the key role of emerging technologies like AI in bringing Hong Kong’s I&T developments to new heights. With Hong Kong strategically positioned as the “Eight Centres” outlined in the 14th Five-year plan, we aspire to amplify the presence of Hong Kong’s I&T on the world’s stage, by creating greater synergy with the Government and different counterparts. We hope the insights shared at CVCF this year will help all of us navigate the new frontiers of venture capital ahead.”

Resilient Fundraising Performance Despite Market Volatility

Despite global venture capital market fluctuations and uncertainties, Cyberport community companies have maintained a robust fundraising performance over the past year. More than HK$3 billion (over US$ 380 million) was fundraised in the period from October 2022 to September 2023 alone, from companies including Animoca Brands, bowtie, Endowus, Moonfare etc., bringing the accumulated funds raised by Cyberport community start-ups to HK$37.5 billion (over US$ 4.7 billion). For two decades, Cyberport’s ecosystem continues to experience healthy expansion; in the event Cyberport has also welcomed the 7th unicorn, CertiK, into the fold.

Cyberport continues to play a pivotal role in promoting and facilitating investment matching, as well as supporting startup fundraising through the Cyberport Macro Fund (CMF). From October 2022 to September 2023, Cyberport injected capital through the CMF with investment units into two Cyberport startups that focus on health tech and smart logistics, namely Gense Technologies and alfred24 respectively. CMF has invested in 27 start-up projects, and CMF together with co-investments, the total investment reached HK$1.76 billion (US$226.1 million), resulting in a co-investment ratio of 1:9.

CIN Flourishes: Diversified Membership Base Expands in GBA, SEA, and Asia

Marking its 6th year, Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) continues its robust growth trajectory, empowering its start-up community through expanding the network locally and internationally, creating a good deal source for investors in the network, while helping startups to improve the quality of pitching. From October 2022 to September 2023 alone, CIN facilitated investments exceeding HK$340 million (over US$ 43.4 million), and an accumulated investment of over HK$2 billion (US$ 255 million) across a total of 75 projects.

CIN now proudly stands as a network of over 170 members comprising venture capital funds, accelerators or angel funds, family offices, corporate venture capital (CVC) and banks, and private equities. The past year recorded more than 20 new entities joining the network. Significantly, the diversity of CIN’s membership base has increased, with a considerable number of members from Hong Kong, Mainland China, as well as Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific, Americas and Europe. This growth signifies an influx of investment liquidity from these regions.

Hendrick Sin, Chairperson of Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) Steering Group and Cyberport Macro Fund (CMF) Investment Committee; Co-Founder & Vice Chairman, CMGE Technology Group Limited said, “Despite the turbulent currents in this year’s capital market, ‘smart money’ is still in place – investors continue to seek promising projects to support, with their primary focus being undeniable evidence of business sustainability. CIN has acted as a compass for both startups and investors, aiding them to be on the front foot to capture emerging opportunities. As the HKSAR Government continues to strengthen regional cooperation with the markets of ASEAN and the Middle East, looking ahead, CIN and CMF will continue to collaborate synergistically to foster investment matching and business collaboration opportunities to amplify Hong Kong start-ups’ impact.”

A Round up on Best Ways to forward I&T

With the goal to help businesses to navigate the future, CVCF 2023 three keynotes were presented by renowned international guests Alireza Masrour, General Partner of Plug & Play, a global innovation accelerator, Rohit Talwar, Global Futurist of Fast Future, a credible forward-looking research and insights house, and Irene Chu, Head of New Economy and Life Sciences of KPMG (Hong Kong), giving the audience valuable insights on investing efficiently in fast-growth businesses in the AI era.

Philip Yung, Director-General of Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (Financial Secretary’s Office) and Duncan Chiu, HKSAR Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation) examined with other speakers on the government’s new initiatives, strategies and support bolstering the development of Hong Kong’s I&T industry. Hendrick Sin, Chairperson of Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) Steering Group and Cyberport Macro Fund (CMF) Investment Committee, along with other business leaders discussed the investment opportunities and challenges upon China’s post-pandemic reopening and recovery.

Another key pillar that underpinned this year’s Forum is the I&T driving forces from emerging technologies, notably Web3 and AI. Jupiter Zheng Jialiang, Partner at HashKey Capital, imparted his insights on the investment opportunities within Web3 for the year 2024, while Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder of Polygon, emphasised the importance of supporting Web3 infrastructure and real-world applications.

In discussions concerning new capital markets, Medea Nocentini of Global Ventures, examined deal-making opportunities for NextGen startups in unstable times. Meanwhile, Elissa Liu of Lanchi Ventures, highlighted the Greater Bay Area’s role in spearheading Hong Kong’s position as a fundraising and expansion platform and gateway, and Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner of VentureSouq (VSQ), shed light on Middle East investors and Asia-based venture capitalists in frontier technologies, smart industries, and technology for social good.

For programme schedules and full speaker line-up at this year’s CVCF, please visit: http://cvcf.cyberport.hk/

 

About Cyberport

Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and incubator for entrepreneurship with over 2,000 members including over 900 onsite and close to 1,100 offsite start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. With a vision to be the hub for digital technology, thereby creating a new economic driver for Hong Kong, Cyberport is committed to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem by cultivating talent, promoting entrepreneurship among youth, supporting start-ups, fostering industry development by promoting strategic collaboration with local and international partners, and integrating new and traditional economies by accelerating digital transformation in public and private sectors.

For more information, please visit www.cyberport.hk

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أجيليس روبوتيكس تكشف عن تطورات مبتكرة في الجراحة داخل التجويفات

هونج كونج – 1 نوفمبر 2023 – تقود شركة أجيليس روبوتيكس، وهي شركة رائدة في مجال الروبوتات الجراحية، نقلة نوعية في مجال الجراحة الباطنة داخل التجويفات “بدون شق”. حققت الشركة ازدهارًا تكنولوجيًا ملحوظًا في تطوير أدوات روبوتية شديدة الصغر ومرنة توفر براعة استثنائية حتى في أصعب التشريحات. يمكّن هذا الإنجاز الجراحين من إجراء عمليات استئصال الأنسجة المعقدة بدقة وسهولة، مباشرة من داخل الفتحات الطبيعية. وبشكل فريد، يتكامل النظام بسلاسة مع المناظير الداخلية القياسية التي تستخدمها المستشفيات والعيادات، بما في ذلك مناظير القولون ومناظير المثانة، مما يؤدي إلى الاستفادة من الخبرة التنظيرية الحالية، وتسطيح منحنى التعلم، وتحسين فعالية التكلفة. توفر الأدوات الروبوتية إمكانيات غير مسبوقة في الجراحة الباطنية، والتي تشمل الجهاز الهضمي العلوي والسفلي، والمسالك البولية، والحنجرة، والطب النسائي.يتكون النظام من عربة أساسية، ووحدة تحكم مدمجة، وأذرع آلية يمكن التخلص منها والتي تضمن جودة الأداء والتعقيم. ستكون تكلفة النظام أقل من 20% من الأنظمة الروبوتية التقليدية الموجودة في السوق، مما يؤدي إلى انخفاض الاستثمار الأولي وارتفاع إجمالي الأرباح للمؤسسات الطبية. يتزايد الطلب على العمليات الجراحية داخل التجويفات في جميع أنحاء العالم، مدفوعًا بزيادة فحص السرطان والكشف عن الأورام في مرحلة مبكرة. ومع وجود أكثر من 3,5 مليون حالة جديدة من سرطان الجهاز الهضمي و690 ألف حالة سرطان المثانة سنويًا على مستوى العالم، تتمتع شركة أجيليس روبوتيكس بموقع استراتيجي يسمح لها بالاستحواذ على سوق الجراحة داخل التجويفات التي تعاني من نقص الخدمات، مما يسمح للمرضى بتلقي علاج فعال في المرحلة المبكرة مع تقليل وقت العمليات ومعدلات تكرار المرض.

أجيليس روبوتيكس هي شركة منبثقة من جامعة هونغ كونغ وحصلت على تمويل يزيد عن 90 مليون دولار هونج كونج من مستثمرين من القطاع الخاص. يتم استخدام الأموال لمزيد من التطوير والتحضير للتجارب السريرية. أكملت الشركة ست دراسات على الحيوانات الحية مع شركائها السريريين في هونغ كونغ وشنجن، مما يدل على نتائج واعدة فيما يتعلق بدقة النظام وسلامته وفعاليته. ومن المقرر إجراء التجارب الأولى على الإنسان في النصف الأول من عام 2024. تستعد الشركة بنشاط لتقديم الطلبات التنظيمية لإدارة الغذاء والدواء (FDA) والإدارة الوطنية للمنتجات الطبية (NMPA)، والتي تمثل مرحلة أساسية مهمة نحو التسويق التجاري.

المدير المالي للشركة، هوي كا مينغ، الذي يتمتع بخبرة واسعة في الاستثمار وشركات التكنولوجيا الحيوية الهادفة للربح، يسلط الضوء على نجاح الشركات المدرجة في “الفصل 18أ” في بورصة هونج كونج، على الرغم من عدم تطورها النسبي مقارنة بشركة أجيليس روبوتيكس. علاوة على ذلك، تدرك شركة أجيليس روبوتيكس أهمية فعالية التكلفة، وإمكانية التسويق، وإمكانات السوق، مما يضمن مشروعًا ناجحًا للمستثمرين والمستشفيات.

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Agilis Robotics Unveils Groundbreaking Advancements in Endoluminal Surgery

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 November 2023 – Agilis Robotics, a leading innovator in surgical robotics, is spearheading a paradigm shift in the field of “incisionless” endoluminal surgery. The company has made remarkable technological breakthroughs in developing highly miniaturized and flexible robotic instruments that offer exceptional dexterity even in the most challenging anatomies. This achievement empowers surgeons to perform intricate tissue resection procedures with precision and ease, directly within natural orifices. Uniquely, the system integrates seamlessly with standard endoscopes used by hospitals and clinics, including colonoscopes and cystoscopes, leveraging existing endoscopic expertise, flattening the learning curve, and improving cost-effectiveness. The robotic instruments offer unprecedented possibilities across endoluminal surgery, spanning the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, urinary tract, throat, and gynaecology.
The system consists of a primary cart, a compact control console, and disposable robotic arms which ensure performance and sterility. The cost of the system will be less than 20% of conventional robotic systems on the market, resulting in lower upfront investment and higher gross profits for medical institutions. The demand for endoluminal surgeries is surging worldwide, driven by increasing cancer screening and detection of early-stage tumours. With more than 3.5 million new GI cancer cases and 690k bladder cancer cases per year globally, Agilis Robotics is strategically positioned to capture the underserved endoluminal surgery market, allowing patients to receive effective early-stage treatment with reduced procedure time and recurrence rates.

Agilis Robotics is a spin-off from The University of Hong Kong and has secured more than HKD 90 million in funding from private investors. The funds are being utilized for further development and preparation for clinical trials. The company has completed six live animal studies with their clinical partners in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, demonstrating promising results for the system’s accuracy, safety, and efficacy. First-in-human trials are targeted for the first half of 2024. The company is actively preparing for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) regulatory submissions, which mark a significant milestone towards commercialization.

The company’s CFO, Hui Ka-Ming, with extensive experience in investing and pre-profit biotech companies, highlights the success of “Chapter 18A” listed companies in the HKEX, despite their relative immaturity compared to Agilis Robotics. Furthermore, Agilis Robotics understands the importance of cost-effectiveness, marketability, and market potential, ensuring a successful venture for investors and hospitals.

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LeddarTech Announces Participation in Upcoming Fourth Quarter 2023 Investor Conferences

QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech®, an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology for ADAS and AD, announces that Frantz Saintellemy, President and Chief Operating Officer, is scheduled to participate in the following upcoming investor events:

LeddarTech will participate in meetings with potential investors and industry analysts and in fireside chats. For more information or to register, please visit the “Events & Presentations” section of LeddarTech’s investor relations website.

On June 13, 2023, Prospector Capital Corp. (“Prospector”) (NASDAQ: PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), a Cayman Islands exempted company led by former Qualcomm President Derek Aberle and chaired by former Qualcomm Vice Chairman Steve Altman, announced a definitive business combination agreement with LeddarTech. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected during the fourth quarter of 2023, the combined company formed through the business combination, LeddarTech Holdings Inc. (“Newco”), is expected to be listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

About LeddarTech

A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal, Toronto and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment, allowing for better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 150 patent applications (80 granted) that enhance ADAS and AD capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.LeddarTech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

About Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector is a special-purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses with a focus on companies with advanced and highly differentiated solutions for the technology sector. The company is led by a team of experienced investors and executives focused on identifying and investing in high-growth companies with strong management teams and attractive market opportunities. Prospector’s securities are traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbols “PRSR,” “PRSRU” and “PRSRW.”

Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco will prepare and will file with the SEC the registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”), and Prospector will mail the proxy statement/prospectus contained within the Registration Statement to its shareholders and file other documents regarding the business combination with the SEC. This press release is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or other documents Prospector or Newco may file with the SEC in connection with the business combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY PROSPECTOR OR NEWCO WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION, BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and other documents filed with the SEC by Prospector or Newco through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act (which forward-looking statements shall also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements regarding the business combination involving Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco, the ability to consummate the business combination and the timing thereof, the anticipated benefits from the business combination, the closing of the private placement financing and expected proceeds therefrom and statements relating to Newco’s anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the risk that the conditions to the closing of the business combination are not satisfied, including the failure to timely or at all obtain shareholder approval for the business combination or the failure to timely or at all obtain any required regulatory clearances, including of the Superior Court of Justice of Québec; (ii) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the business combination and the ability of each of Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco to consummate the business combination; (iii) the possibility that other anticipated benefits of the business combination will not be realized, and the anticipated tax treatment of the business combination; (iv) the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the business combination; (v) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the business combination or other settlements or investigations may affect the timing or occurrence of the business combination or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (vi) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (vii) possible disruptions from the business combination that could harm LeddarTech’s business; (viii) the ability of LeddarTech to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (ix) potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or other parties resulting from the announcement or completion of the business combination; (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the business combination that could affect LeddarTech’s financial performance; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak (including COVID-19), as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xiii) access to capital and financing and LeddarTech’s ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants; and (xiv) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Prospector’s reports filed with the SEC, including Prospector’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, periodic Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, periodic Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the SEC, as well as the risk factors to be contained in the Registration Statement. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Neither Prospector nor LeddarTech can give any assurance that the conditions to the business combination will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, neither Prospector nor LeddarTech undertakes any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Prospector or Newco, a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

Participants in Solicitation

Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination. Information about the directors and executive officers of Prospector can be found in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials when they are filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the source indicated above.

Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

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Belgian transport unions refuse to load, unload weapons going to Israel

BRUSSELS, Belgian transport unions Wednesday announced their refusal to load and unload weapons going to Israel via both ports and airports and called for an immediate ceasefire.

“While a genocide is almost underway in Palestine, employees at various airports in Belgium see weapons leaving for a war zone,” the unions said in a joint message posted on their X (former twitter).

“As trade unions active in ground handling, we declare our solidarity with those who campaign for peace. That is why we call for no more military equipment to be handled at our Belgian airports,” they said.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

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During meetings with British minister, PM Shtayyeh and FM Malki call on the UK to support a ceasefire, bring in aid

In two separate meetings today in Ramallah with the British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Lord Tariq Ahmed, Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and Foreign Minister Riad Malki called on the United Kingdom to call for a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza and to bring in relief and medical aid and restore water and electricity to the Gaza Strip. ‘Our priority is to stop the aggression, bring in aid, treat the wounded, and work to launch a political path for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue based on international legitimacy and United Nations resolutions and based on the Arab Peace Initiative,’ Shtayyeh told the British official during their meeting in his office. He also stressed the rejection of any partial solutions that do not include all of the Palestinian territories. “Attempts to displace our people from the Gaza Strip are still ongoing. We reject these attempts and any calls for this, and we are making all efforts and contacts to prevent this,” he said, adding that Israel, in addition to its aggression against Gaza, continues its aggression against the Palestinian people in the West Bank by the occupation army and its settlers, killing more than 120 people since the beginning of the aggression on Gaza on October 7, and the daily incursions into the Palestinian areas, placing barriers and separating the areas from each other are, which is a reoccupation of the West Bank. Foreign Minister Malki, in a separate meeting held with Ahmed at his office, called on the UK to act to stop the brutal Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, which is killing innocent civilians, most of them children and women, thousands injured, and displacing hundreds of thousands. He stressed the need to work immediately to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza and secure entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip. He also called on the UK to provide the necessary protection for the Palestine mission and its staff in Britain in light of the threats against them, holding Britain fully responsible for what may happen to the ambassador and the mission crew if protection is not provided to them.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

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Watch group monitors digital space fabrication and incitement for Palestinian genocide – “Blatant bias towards genocide”

Sada Social watch group said that it has monitored over 11,000 digital violations of Palestinian content across various social media platforms in October 2023, including personal and public account deletions, access restrictions, content removals, and live broadcast bans. During October, Sada Social observed alarming indicators of digital attacks targeting media institutions, comprising 45% of these violations. These violations include the deletion of their pages and restrictions on different platforms, precisely when Palestinians, and especially Gazans, need urgent and essential access to information amidst the current aggression. In addition to these violations, various media organizations and fact-checkers have faced cyber-attacks aimed at disrupting or hindering their work, such as Al Jazeera Media Network and Eekad for fact-checking. These violations extended across different social media platforms, including Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads, and Messenger), Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat. Moreover, these violations targeted not only Palestinian users but also involved more than 20% of the complaints to Sada Social from Arab, and pro-Palestine users. Sada social monitored incitement to Kill Palestinians, including explicit calls and satirical comedy on Gaza’s blood. Throughout October 2023, Sada Social tracked over 20,000 inciteful contents, encompassing terms, phrases, images, videos, and various forms of incitement on social media platforms. Firstly, official Israeli entities and settlers explicitly and directly called for the killing and extermination of Palestinians and Arabs, as well as the ill-treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. They called for the prevention of any water or medicine from entering Gaza, constituting 40% of the inciteful content directed against specific individuals. Groups of settlers have shared images of Palestinians and Palestinian businesses, which settlers subsequently attacked in the West Bank, targeting Palestinians and their properties. This has led to the killing of seven Palestinians in the West Bank by settler gunfire, as well as the closure and destruction of at least four Palestinian businesses, accompanied by the expulsion of over 500 Palestinians from their homes, according to B’tselem – The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories. Secondly, more than 270 threats were directed towards Palestinians through messaging applications and SMS messages, with 95% of these threats targeted at Palestinians in the West Bank. These threats included death threats, disclosure of the user’s Palestinian address, and threats of persecution. These messages were primarily directed at activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Thirdly, videos that mocked the victims in Gaza were shared to make fun of their suffering and to create satirical content in both Hebrew and English. These videos were predominantly found on Instagram and TikTok. While some of these videos were removed after Sada Social contacted the platforms, many accounts remain active as they “do not meet the platform’s criteria for disabling accounts.” Fourthly, campaigns known as “Bollywood Representatives” aimed to cast doubt on the massacres and crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. This was done by sharing images of civilian casualties in Gaza, labeling them as “Bollywood actors,” and asserting that these crimes are fictitious and only exist in the Palestinian imagination. Fifthly, activists and Palestinians in the occupied territories and Jewish individuals opposing the Israeli aggression on Gaza have been pursued and filmed in universities and public places demonstrating solidarity with Gaza. This footage was sent to Israeli authorities, who proceeded to arrest them under emergency law, like in the case of the Palestinian artist Dalal Abu Amneh, who resides in Canada. In certain European countries, authorities imposed bans on displaying any form of support for Palestinians. Some journalists and activists lost their jobs for expressing support for Palestine, like Palestinian journalist Zahraa al-Akhras, who lives in Canada. Sixthly, official Israeli and foreign entities disseminated false and misleading information regarding the Israeli aggression on Gaza. Sada Social has identified over 160 pieces of false information that contributed to covering the Israeli aggression on Gaza, justifying civilian casualties with these misleading facts. Furthermore, Sade social monitored serious violations of user privacy. It received grave complaints concerning Meta’s violation of user privacy through its private messaging applications (WhatsApp and Messenger) by activating algorithmic systems on Messenger that restrict users from sending messages “contrary to Meta’s community standards” in private conversations or even deleting some messages after sending them. While both Messenger and WhatsApp are known to be encrypted, Meta, as a company, can’t interfere in them (end-to-end encrypted). During October, there was an escalation in WhatsApp-based violations, with over 170 numbers banned from use by over 90% of the users who are Gaza-based journalists. This directly impacted their lives, given the network shutdowns and the digital blackout in Gaza, where only a few journalists managed to secure alternative sources of foreign internet access. It’s important to note that the internet has become the sole alternative means of communication, said the watch group. Sada Social emphasized that these measures work to obscure the Palestinian narrative and the digital memory of people. ‘These actions represent a major hindrance to accessing the truth and spreading rumors and false news that find fertile ground during wars. Furthermore, these actions grant Israel the authority to narrate the course of events from its perspective. Restricting access to digital information and banning content distribution on the war’s affected side is no less.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

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2 Arrested On Charges Of Terrorism And Drug Trafficking, And 5 Violated Vehicles Seized in Diyala

Baquba – Joint forces arrested two wanted persons on charges of terrorism and drug trafficking in Diyala Governorate.

A security source told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that the security services continue to work to pursue wanted persons according to intelligence information, as a security force arrested an accused wanted by the judiciary in terrorist cases, and another wanted in accordance with the provisions of Article 28 of drugs.

On the other hand, the detachments of the External Controls and Roads Affairs Department were able to seize 5 vehicles loaded with materials prohibited from import and unlicensed.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Attacker who smashed glass facades of two Amman restaurants nabbed-PSD

Security agents arrested a suspect who smashed glass facades of two restaurants in the capital, Amman, on Tuesday. In a statement on Wednesday, the media spokesperson for Public Security Directorate (PSD) said the assailant, who is tracked on several offense counts, admitted his attack on the exterior glass facades of the two restaurants with a sharp object, causing material damage. The spokesperson said PSD will deal “firmly” with any individuals, who commit such acts and refer perpetrators to the competent judicial authorities, to get deterrent penalties, in accordance with the law provisions.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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Barzani And Romanowski Stress The Importance Of Protecting The Security And Safety Of The Int’l Coalition Forces And Diplomatic Missions Throughout Iraq

Baghdad – The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, and the US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, stressed the continuation of joint cooperation and the importance of protecting the security and safety of the international coalition forces and diplomatic missions throughout Iraq.

The regional presidency said in a statement: “During the meeting today, Barzani and the American ambassador discussed strengthening Iraq and the Kurdistan region’s relations with the United States of America within the framework of the American-Iraqi strategic agreement.”

The two sides stressed “the continuation of joint cooperation and the importance of protecting the security and safety of the international coalition forces and diplomatic missions throughout Iraq.”

In another aspect of the meeting, which was attended by the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, the internal conditions of the Kurdistan Region and the latest developments in the region in general were discussed.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency