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A-Labs Capital I Corp. Announces Proposed Transaction with BTC Corporation Holdings Pty Ltd.

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/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A-Labs Capital I Corp. (the “Corporation“) (TSXV: ALBS.P), a capital pool company under Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies of the TSX Venture Exchange (“Exchange“), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive share sale agreement (the “Definitive Agreement“) dated February 18, 2020 with BTC Corporation Holdings Pty Ltd. (“BTC“) and the shareholders of BTC (the “BTC Shareholders“) for the purposes of completing a Qualifying Transaction (“QT“) as defined in the Policy 2.4. Upon completion of the QT, BTC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the entity resulting from the QT (the “Resulting Issuer“) and the Resulting Issuer will carry on the business of BTC as a technology issuer.Definitive AgreementThe QT is to be completed by way of a share exchange, whereby the BTC Shareholders will exchange 100% of the issued and outstanding fully paid ordinary shares of BTC (“BTC Shares“) for post-Consolidation (as hereafter defined) common shares (the “Corporation Shares“) of the Corporation, resulting in BTC becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation.Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, the Corporation will issue 1,656 post-Consolidation Corporation Shares in exchange for each one (1) BTC Share (the “Exchange Ratio“) outstanding immediately prior to closing of the QT at a deemed price of $1.00 per post-Consolidation Corporation Share, assuming the Consolidation occurs at the ratio currently anticipated (see below).As of the date of the Definitive Agreement, BTC has the following securities, or right to acquire securities of BTC, outstanding: (a) 17,519 BTC Shares; (b) the conversion rights of the minority shareholders of BTC Sing SPV Pte Ltd., a subsidiary of BTC, to acquire up to 274 BTC Shares in return for terminating their minority ownership rights; and (c) the conversion rights of the minority shareholders of RhinoLoft Pty Ltd., a subsidiary of BTC, to acquire up to 55 BTC Shares in return for terminating their minority ownership rights. The conversion rights of the minority shareholders shall be exercised prior to the closing of the QT.Accordingly, without taking into account any further issuances of BTC securities under the Pre-Transaction Financing and Concurrent Financing, and assuming the conversion rights noted above are exercised prior to closing of the QT, it is expected that the Corporation will issue an aggregate of 29,556,288 post-Consolidation Corporation Shares to the holders of BTC Shares in connection with the QT.The BTC Shares are subject to a shareholders’ deed between BTC and the BTC Shareholders dated June 13, 2017, which provides for a drag-along right in the event the Definitive Agreement is executed by BTC Shareholders who collectively hold at least 70% of the BTC Shares outstanding.In addition to the post-Consolidation Corporation Shares issuable under the share exchange, at closing of the QT, pursuant to a consulting services agreement between BTC and certain financial advisors to BTC, being Diverse Capital Pte Ltd. and Zeus Capital Ltd., the Corporation will also issue 1,186,500 post-Consolidation Corporation Shares to such advisors in connection with financial and related consulting services, including advising BTC on the Canadian capital markets and regulatory regime. Diverse Capital Pte Ltd. is an arm’s length party. Zeus Capital Ltd. is controlled by Konstantin Lichtenwald, a director of the Corporation, and is therefore a non-arm’s length party. The issuance of the post-Consolidation Corporation Shares to the financial advisors is subject to Exchange review and approval.BTC FinancingsIn conjunction with the QT, the Definitive Agreement provides that BTC will complete the following equity financings:a non-brokered private placement of a minimum of 323 BTC Shares and a maximum of 1,935 BTC Shares at a price of AUD$1,550 per BTC Share for gross proceeds at a minimum of AUD$500,000 and a maximum of  AUD$3,000,000, or such greater amount as mutually agreed by BTC and the Corporation (the “Pre-Transaction Placement“); anda non-brokered private placement of subscription receipts for minimum gross proceeds of CDN$500,000 and maximum gross proceeds of CDN$5,000,000, which will be held in escrow and released on closing of the QT (the “Concurrent Financing“). The terms of the Concurrent Financing, including the nature of the securities, the issuance price, the finder’s fees and any compensation warrants will be negotiated with the agents, if any, selected by BTC.The Pre-Transaction Placement and the Concurrent Financing are subject to a CDN$2,500,000 minimum raise in the aggregate. The net proceeds from the Pre-Transaction Placement are expected to be used by BTC for expenses related to the QT, among others. Following the closing of the QT, the remaining net proceeds of the Pre-Transaction Placement and Concurrent Financing are expected to be used, among other things, to fund the growth of BTC’s business into international markets and for general and administrative expenses.The securities of BTC issued or to be issued pursuant to the Pre-Transaction Placement will be exchanged for securities of the Corporation at the Exchange Ratio in connection with the QT. The Corporation is expected to issue at closing of the QT approximately 534,194 post-Consolidation Corporation Shares in the event of the completion of the minimum offering under the Pre-Transaction Placement and approximately 3,204,360 post-Consolidation Corporation Shares in the event of the completion of the maximum offering under the Pre-Transaction Placement.The subscription receipts issued by BTC under the Concurrent Financing are expected to convert to underlying securities of BTC immediately prior to closing of the QT and such underlying securities of BTC will be exchanged for securities of the Corporation in connection with closing of the QT. Further details regarding the Concurrent Financing will be provided at a later date once the terms of the Concurrent Financing are determined.Consolidation, Continuation and Name ChangeThe Definitive Agreement provides that, immediately prior to closing of the QT, the Corporation will, subject to shareholder approval:complete a consolidation of the Corporation Shares on the basis of one post-consolidation Corporation Share for each 5.09091 pre-consolidation Corporation Shares (the “Consolidation“);complete a continuation out of the federal jurisdiction of Canada and being governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act to become a British Columbia, Canada corporation being governed by the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Continuation“); andchange its name to “Banxa Holdings Inc.” or such other name as BTC may determine, subject to approval from the British Columbia Registrar of Companies and the Exchange (the “Name Change“).The Corporation intends to hold a special shareholders meeting to approve these matters.Conditions to Closing the QTCompletion of the QT is subject to a number of customary commercial conditions, including but not limited to:completion of satisfactory due diligence by both parties;completion of the Pre-Transaction Placement and Concurrent Placement for minimum gross proceeds of CDN$2,500,000, in the aggregate;completion of the Consolidation, Continuation and Name Change;each of BTC and the Corporation shall have obtained receipt of all applicable regulatory, shareholder, third-party and Exchange approvals;the resignation of all directors and officers of the Corporation who will not be continuing as directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer;the appointment of Domenic Carosa, Matthew Cain, Haozheng “Jack” Lu and an additional director to be determined by the Corporation (currently expected to be Doron Cohen) as directors of the Resulting Issuer, to be effective at completion of the QT;completion of the QT on or prior to April 30, 2020, or such later date as the Corporation and BTC may mutually agree;the absence of any material adverse effect on the financial and operational condition or the assets of the Corporation or BTC; andthe Resulting Issuer will obtain directors and officers insurance which is satisfactory to the Corporation and BTC, acting reasonably.Management and Board of Directors of Resulting IssuerUpon completion of the QT, it is expected that Konstantin Lichtenwald, a current director of the Corporation, will be appointed as the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Resulting Issuer, and Doron Cohen, a current director and CEO of the Corporation, will remain as a director of the Resulting Issuer. With the exception of Mr. Lichtenwald (in the capacity as CFO) and Mr. Doron Cohen (in the capacity as director), it is expected that all existing directors and officers of the Corporation will resign and the following individuals, subject to receipt of applicable regulatory and shareholder approvals, will be appointed as an officer or director of the Resulting Issuer:Domenic Carosa –Founder & Non-Executive Chairman and DirectorWith over 25 years’ experience in business and technology, Mr. Carosa is a resident of Australia and has built a reputation as a leader in the Internet space by building one of Australia’s largest independent digital music websites, MP3.com.au in the late 90’s, and building from scratch, Australia’s second largest virtual web hosting and domain companies which he sold for AUD$25m in 2005-06. He was also the youngest CEO of a public company in Australian history in 2000 when he was 25 years of age.Mr. Carosa is co-founder & Chairman of Future Capital Development Fund Pty Ltd (a registered Pooled Development Fund). Future Capital has successfully raised in excess of AUD$8M in patient equity capital in recent years, invested in 14 early stage investees.Mr. Carosa is also Founder & Chairman of Dominet Venture Partners, a boutique internet investment group with over 50 investments in technology-related companies globally. Mr. Carosa is also CEO & Executive Director of a global media company Crowd Media Holdings Ltd which is listed on the Australian and Frankfurt Stock exchanges. Mr. Carosa is past Chairman of the Internet Industry Association (IIA) and holds a Masters of Entrepreneurship & Innovation (MEI) from Swinburne University. Matthew Cain – DirectorMr. Cain has 25 years’ experience providing Corporate Advisory, Consultancy and Equity Capital Markets expertise to private and public companies.Mr. Cain is currently a Non-Executive Director of Registry Direct Limited, Treasurer and Committee Member of the Melbourne Racing Club, Director of MRC Foundation Board and Director of Corporate Development with Dominet Digital Ventures.Mr. Cain is based in Melbourne, Australia and has sector expertise in wagering and gaming, technology, telecommunications and Fintech previously working for Macquarie Bank, Bell Potter and ANZ Securities.Haozheng “Jack” Lu – DirectorMr. Lu is based in San Francisco where he is the investment director at NGC, which is also a shareholder in BTC. Mr. Lu specializes in researching blockchain mechanisms for generating decentralized consensus and real-world implications provided by blockchain. Mr, Lu’s invaluable presence is defined by his abilities to analyze economic and social models behind projects, while also exploring the game theoretical topics including incentive provisions, industrial organization and market microstructure on blockchain and smart contracts. Jack was the founder of Econ-Box, a behavioural economics club.Mr. Lu was the cofounder of ShowGo, an US based start-up. In addition, Mr. Lu holds an Economics and Quantitative Economics degree from Reed College.Doron Cohen, DirectorMr. Doron Cohen is an experienced entrepreneur, investor and mentor with over 20 years in executive management, corporate strategy, sales, marketing and M&A for private and public companies. Since 2017, Mr. Cohen has served as the CEO and Managing Partner at A-Labs Finance & Advisory Ltd., a private corporate advisory firm. Prior to 2017, from 2014 to 2017, Mr. Cohen was the CEO of MCE Media and Apps Ltd., a private company that provides retail driven mobile advertising solutions. Mr. Cohen also currently serves as the CEO and director of A-Labs Capital I Corp. and A-Labs Capital II Corp., each a capital pool company established pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the Exchange.Holger Arians – Chief Executive OfficerMr. Arians worked in corporate development at different multinational companies in Germany before he moved to Australia in 2013. Prior to joining BTC, Mr. Arians oversaw and worked closely with a portfolio of early stage technology companies as CEO of Dominet Venture Partners, which was founded by Mr. Carosa.Mr. Arians has experience in entrepreneurship, strategy and management and was involved in several start-ups as a founder and investor. He was appointed Honorary Finance Judge at the Cologne Finance Court in Germany in 2013.  Mr. Arians holds a degree in Business Administration from Fontys Hogeschool in The Netherlands, an Executive MBA from both ESSEC Business School in France and Mannheim Business School in Germany and is a Harvard Business School Alumnus (PLDA14).Konstantin Lichtenwald – Chief Financial Officer and Corporate SecretaryMr. Lichtenwald specializes in providing corporate finance, valuation, taxation, financial reporting, consulting and other accounting services to both small businesses and public commodity resource companies. Mr. Lichtenwald also assists in many aspects of clients’ administration, financing and other finance-related activities. Mr. Lichtenwald worked at Ernst & Young GmbH, Germany, in the assurance department. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Pforzheim University, Germany, and holds the professional designation of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA and CGA), and is a member of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and Canada. Mr. Lichtenwald has had extensive experience as a controller, Chief Financial Officer and a director of numerous publicly traded and private corporations in several industries.InsidersDominet Digital Investments Pty Ltd. (“Dominet”), an Australian corporation controlled by Domenic Carosa, is the largest shareholder of BTC and currently holds approximately 23% of the outstanding BTC Shares. Upon completion of the QT, it is currently anticipated that Dominet will beneficially own or control, directly or indirectly, approximately 16% of the outstanding common shares of the Resulting Issuer and will be considered an insider of the Resulting Issuer pursuant to the policies of the Exchange and applicable securities laws.  Arms Length TransactionThe QT is an arm’s length transaction in accordance with the policies of the Exchange.SponsorshipThe Corporation will seek a waiver from the Exchange to the requirement to engage a sponsor in connection with the QT. If a sponsor is required, the Corporation will identify a sponsor and pay the sponsorship fee in cash or Corporation Shares or a combination of cash and Corporation Shares.  An agreement with a sponsor should not be construed as any assurance with respect to the merits of the QT or the likelihood of completion.Trading HaltIn accordance with Exchange policies, the Corporation Shares are currently halted from trading and will remain so until certain documentation required by the Exchange for the QT can be provided to the Exchange. The Corporation Shares may resume trading following the Exchange’s review of the required documentation or the Corporation Shares may remain halted until completion of the QT.About BTCBTC is a private company incorporated under the laws of Australia on March 27, 2014. BTC is building the payment infrastructure for global digital banking by providing fiat-to-crypto payment services via thousands of retail locations in Australia and online around the world. Onboarding Bitcoin and Ethereum are the primary crypto currencies transacted with BTC. BTC owns and operates or intends to operate premium brands in several global markets including Canada (Bitcoin.ca), United Kingdom (Bitcoin.co.uk) & Australia (Bitcoin.com.au) as well as over 20 other premium Bitcoin domains including European Union, Mexico & Ireland.BTC has developed and is expanding a secure trusted ecosystem and fostering utility of Bitcoin through industry leading products, platforms and education. BTC has unrivalled physical distribution in stores throughout Australia with over 6,000 retail locations and is seeking to expand into new regions. Included in BTC’s strategic investor list is KuCoin, a cryptocurrency exchange based in Hong Kong that processes approximately USD$2billion of digital currency transactions on a monthly basis.Based on audited financial statements, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 BTC had a gross profit of AUD$1,280,976 on revenue of AUD$4,924,053 and had net assets of AUD$399,264. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 BTC had a gross profit of AUD$4,069,799 on revenue of AUD$25,942,007, net income of AUD$614,671, gross total liabilities of AUD$2,395,977, net assets of AUD$1,821,126 and had AUD$1,821,126 in shareholder equity. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 BTC had revenue of AUD$7,987,991 and gross profit of AUD$1,783,473, net loss of AUD$2,066,848, gross total liabilities of AUD$1,899,174, net assets of AUD$1,702,582 and had AUD$1,702,582 in shareholder equity. The audited financial statements were prepared in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.Further InformationTrading in the Corporation Shares will remain halted until the QT has been completed, or until the Exchange receives the requisite documentation to resume trading.In connection with the QT and pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange, the Corporation will file a filing statement on its issuer profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), which will contain details regarding the QT, the Corporation, BTC and the Resulting Issuer.Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.For further information, contact:  Doron Cohen, CEO and Director of the Corporation
[email protected]
972 545-224-017
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.INFORMATION CONCERNING BTC HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO THE CORPORATION BY BTC FOR INCLUSION IN THIS PRESS RELEASE.THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES, THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1993, AS AMENDED, OR ANY SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.Caution Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThe information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management’s view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the closing of the QT and related transactions and the anticipated benefits of the QT, including the proposed business of the Corporation after completion of the QT and proposed use of funds under the related financings. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, including with respect to the closing of the QT, the timing and receipt of all applicable regulatory, corporate, shareholder and third party approvals, the anticipated benefits from the QT and the satisfaction of other conditions to closing the QT, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise.

Fintech

Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry

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Jack Henry™ (Nasdaq: JHKY) announced today that Copper State Credit Union will leverage the company’s single technology platform to boost internal efficiencies and improve experiences.

Copper State Credit Union formed in 2020 from the merger of Canyon State Credit Union and Deer Valley Credit Union. Following the merger, the credit union managed multiple products across several different technology providers. This prompted the team to reevaluate their strategy and select Jack Henry as their enterprise technology provider. Jack Henry’s open infrastructure will automate and streamline operations, as well as integrate and optimize offerings.

“Jack Henry’s single platform approach allows us to consolidate our existing relationships into one organization with the option to tap into a vast ecosystem of fintech services,” said Robb Scott, President/CEO of Copper State Credit Union. “This enables us to continue to be innovative in our markets while remaining committed to delivering an exceptional member experience.”

Copper State Credit Union understands the importance of providing a convenient and simple digital experience for members. Their new digital banking platform will give members a complete view of all their finances in a single place. Part of this experience will include the ability to open new accounts and debit cards, manage credit scores, and receive instant payments. And, modern fraud and financial crimes prevention and detection solutions will protect members’ data and monitor transactional behavior.

“Our all-in strategy with Jack Henry ensures our members receive the connected services and resources they need to achieve financial prosperity and empowerment,” Scott continued. “The relationship frees up our internal resources to focus on finding ways to improve the financial lives of member-families within our community.”

Shanon McLachlan, president of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry, commented, “The beauty of our technology is the optionality and flexibility. Credit unions can choose to be in all-in with us like Copper State Credit Union or start by investing in their technology future one step at a time. Regardless, we continue to provide the support and services they need to help their members succeed.”

The post Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Moomoo Wins “Best Stock Trading App” Award in 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program

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Moomoo Technologies Inc. today announced that FinTech Breakthrough recognized the company with its 2024 annual award of “Best Stock Trading App.”  Founded in 2018, moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. With its sister brand, moomoo has over 21 million users globally and it provides users with the necessary information and technology to make more informed investment decisions.

As the FinTech sector becomes more crowded and companies struggle to stand out from the crowd with their products and services, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards help recognize and showcase FinTech innovators based on creativity, hard work, and technologies centered around their products, solutions, and services. Its committee selected winners based on their innovative performance, their impact on solving user needs and problems, and whether their ease of use management can scale at growth.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the best stock trading app by FinTech Breakthrough as it supports our mission to provide all levels of investors with an intuitive and robust platform,” said Justin Zacks, Vice President of Strategies, Moomoo Technologies Inc.  “Backed by independent research, advanced technological development capabilities, and our unique digital-first business model, we want to level the playing field for retail investors. From powerful stock and option analysis tools to fully extended trading hours, moomoo serves both new and experienced traders.”

“Moomoos’ robust technologies help investors spot potential investment opportunities and make informed decisions. Investors at all levels are looking for in-depth data, market news and global insights,” said Steve Johansson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. “We want to recognize moomoo as ‘Best Stock Trading App!’ By striving to provide investors with the best online trading experiences possible, investors at any stage can make confident investment decisions backed by readily available data and insights.”

The post Moomoo Wins “Best Stock Trading App” Award in 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Insights from Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Speakers (pre-event)

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As we approach the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, we’ve connected with some of the event’s distinguished speakers to delve into the future of the gaming and tech industries. Their insights shed light on the shifting dynamics, underscoring the significance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic foresight.

We posed the following questions to our speakers:

  • What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career within the gaming/tech sector?
  • Can you share a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
  • In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

Below, you’ll find a brief overview of their responses. For more in-depth insights, scroll down to read each speaker’s full reply.

#### Viktoria Soltesz: Mastering the Financial Game

Viktoria Soltesz, a pivotal figure in the payment solutions space, shared a crucial lesson from her career: the significance of a well-crafted payment plan. Through her work, Soltesz has observed the downfall of companies due to inadequate financial strategies, emphasizing that such pitfalls are easily avoidable with proper planning. Her recent book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” aims to demystify banking and payment processes for businesses, advocating for informed financial decision-making within the gaming and tech sectors.

#### Aleksandra Andrishak: The Power of Continuous Learning

Representing Slotsjudge, Editor in Chief Aleksandra Andrishak looks forward to delving into topics like iGaming and blockchain at the summit. Andrishak highlights the transformative work undertaken at Slotsjudge in 2023 and stresses the importance of perpetual learning in the fast-paced gaming industry. Her advice to newcomers is to embrace innovation and remain adaptable to stay ahead.

#### Jakub Tesar: Blockchain’s Expanding Horizon

Jakub Tesar predicts a promising future for blockchain technology, especially within the Ethereum ecosystem, and the rise of Web3. He envisions a world where gamers have greater control over virtual collectibles and in-game items, thanks to blockchain. Tesar anticipates GenAI revolutionizing game interactions and narratives, urging industry professionals to experiment with blockchain’s burgeoning use cases.

#### Kaspar Szymanski: Navigating SEO in the Gaming and Tech World

Kaspar Szymanski, with his rich background in Google Search, identifies the challenge of distinguishing brands in a saturated market. He argues for a focus on unique selling propositions and long-term growth strategies. At the summit, Szymanski aims to dispel SEO myths and offer actionable advice, emphasizing that SEO setbacks can lead to significant growth opportunities.

#### Jasmina Poglavc: Data-Driven Innovation in iGaming

Jazz underscores the impact of advanced data analytics and AI in enhancing the iGaming experience through personalized player engagement. She points out the challenges of data privacy and navigating the regulatory landscape, advocating for a shift towards more player-centric and responsible gaming practices.

These insights from our speakers highlight a common theme: the gaming and tech industries are at a critical juncture, facing challenges that span financial planning, regulatory navigation, and technological innovation. The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit stands as a pivotal platform for addressing these challenges, fostering dialogue, and paving the way for future advancements.

As we anticipate the rich discussions and networking opportunities at the summit, it’s clear that adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic planning are key to navigating the future of gaming and tech. Join us in Prague to explore these themes and more, shaping the trajectory of these dynamic industries.


Viktoria Soltesz – Founder at PSP Angels

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

In my career within the gaming/tech sector, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a payment plan. While analyzing the financial and banking information of various companies, I noticed a recurring pattern: many companies that failed did so due to poor payment and banking practices. They often miscalculated risks, under-budgeted costs, or neglected to set up a proper payment plan. These errors in financial planning were common culprits behind their downfall. What surprised me the most was how easily these businesses could have avoided such failures with proper payment planning. It became evident that many businesses fail for avoidable reasons, and simply taking the time to understand and establish a payment plan can make a significant difference. By paying close attention to the flow of money and investing just a few hours in crafting a solid plan, a business can set itself on a path to success, outperforming much of its competition.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

One of the achievements I’m particularly proud of in my career is the recent launch of my book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” which is now available on Amazon. This book is a valuable resource for businesses, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of banking and payments in today’s competitive landscape. It provides insights into the intricacies of banking decisions, the history of payment systems, and practical guidance on managing funds more safely and cost-effectively. I’m excited to share this knowledge and help businesses make informed decisions in the realm of payments, especially those that are high-risk or startups.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

In the gaming and tech industries today, one of the most significant challenges is undoubtedly related to payments. While these industries focus heavily on product development, market competition, and marketing strategies, the crucial aspect of payment planning often gets overlooked. This oversight can lead to businesses incurring unnecessary banking fees and facing unexpected operational risks. Understanding the complexities of banking and payment systems is crucial, yet it remains an area with limited knowledge for many in these sectors. Lack of knowledge in this domain can result in poor financial decision-making. As a payment expert, I have observed that addressing these payment-related challenges is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of businesses in the gaming and tech industries. By gaining a better understanding of how payments work and the reasoning behind banking decisions, these industries can navigate financial challenges more effectively and make informed choices, ultimately ensuring smoother operations and cost savings.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am greatly anticipating the upcoming Prague Gaming & TECH Summit for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, I’m excited about the high-quality content that will be presented during the event. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights and knowledge about the gaming and tech industries.

Additionally, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old acquaintances and making new connections. Networking is a fundamental aspect of such gatherings, allowing us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge new professional relationships.

Lastly, I’m eager to hear about the latest industry developments and gossip. Staying informed about the current trends and happenings within the gaming and tech sectors is essential for keeping a competitive edge in these dynamic industries.

Overall, the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit promises to be an enriching and engaging experience, offering valuable content, networking opportunities, and industry insights.


Aleksandra Andrishak – Editor in Chief at Slotsjudge

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

The vegan catering! Jokes aside, Hipther events are renowned for their best-in-class networking, and I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into topics such as iGaming, eSports, and Blockchain with top experts in the industry. This will mark my second collaboration on stage with Zoltan and the team, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m honored to represent Slotsjudge at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024. I’m particularly proud of all the work we’ve accomplished with the team in 2023. This year, you can expect even more from us, including new features, a completely revamped website, and even more ways to have fun together with us if you’re a gaming enthusiast!

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Never stop learning. The gaming industry is one of those sectors where innovation occurs almost daily. To stay ahead of the curve, you cannot afford to become complacent. Continuously strive to expand your knowledge and skills. Good luck!


Jakub Tesar – Innovation, Digital & Emerging Tech Lead at EY

What are your top three predictions for the future of gaming and tech industries in the next five years?

  1. The Ethereum ecosystem will evolve into a hub for practical applications, driving large-scale enterprise adoption of blockchain technology.
  2. The growth of Web3 will empower users to have self-custody over virtual collectibles and in-game items, enabling the purchase of ‘phygital’ items that merge the physical and online worlds. This evolution will facilitate free trade on blockchain-powered marketplaces and allow brands to explore new monetization strategies for digital assets.
  3. Generative AI (GenAI) will revolutionize gaming experiences, enabling players to interact with non-player characters (NPCs) in more natural and dynamic ways, and experience storylines that adapt and evolve in real-time.

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you? What challenges do you think the industry needs to address? The integration of GenAI within gaming environments excites me the most. It offers unprecedented, natural-like interactions with GenAI-based NPCs and allows for fluid, dynamic storylines. However, the industry must navigate the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that these technologies are developed and used responsibly.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector? In my career, the most valuable lesson has been the constant need for innovation and adaptability. The rapid pace at which technology evolves requires a perpetual learning mindset and the willingness to embrace change.

How do you see the role of AI and emerging technologies shaping the gaming and tech industries? AI and emerging technologies are set to fundamentally reshape the gaming and tech industries by introducing more immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. These technologies will not only enhance gameplay but also offer new avenues for creativity and innovation within the sector.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry? Never stop learning. The gaming industry, in particular, is characterized by its rapid evolution and innovation. Staying informed and continually enhancing your skills is crucial to staying ahead in this competitive field.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today? Addressing the ethical and societal implications of rapid technological advancement, including privacy concerns, data security, and the potential for misuse, remains a significant challenge.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see? Regulations need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers. I hope to see regulations evolve in a way that supports the ethical development of new technologies while ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to all.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit? I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into the latest industry trends, connect with fellow professionals, and share insights on the evolving landscape of gaming and technology.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session? I hope attendees recognize the enduring significance of blockchain technologies and are inspired to explore and experiment with their vast potential for innovative use cases.


Kaspar Szymanski – Founder of SearchBrothers

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

One of the primary challenges in an industry saturated with numerous market players offering similar web platforms and services is effectively defining and communicating a compelling unique selling proposition (USP). While brand building, prioritizing user experience, and optimizing website performance are essential, they are merely steps towards the ultimate goal of offering a service or product that isn’t readily available elsewhere. Moreover, developing a long-term strategy presents a significant challenge in an industry that tends to favor short-term success. The pressure of organizational and market demands often hinders decision-makers from adopting strategies focused on sustainable, gradual growth. This challenge is particularly evident in search engine optimization (SEO), where the goals of long-term growth and meeting immediate organizational needs must be aligned, as search engine algorithms prioritize actual ranking signals over organizational constraints.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am eager to share the unique insights into Google Search that I gained during my time working for Google, as well as my experiences as a consultant helping clients in competitive niches outperform their competitors. My presentation will include exciting real-life case studies, debunk several myths within the SEO industry, and provide attendees with actionable advice they can immediately apply. I am also looking forward to listening and learning from others, and eagerly anticipate addressing audience questions during the Q&A session following my presentation.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session?

I want my audience to understand that Google penalties are not the end of the world and can be resolved. SEO setbacks, while initially unwelcome, can actually offer an opportunity for significant growth, potentially surpassing any previous rankings on Google Search. These moments can be a hidden blessing, revealing new paths to success. I invite anyone curious about the inner workings of Google Search, how it can benefit your website, and seeking genuine answers to their Google and SEO questions to join my session.


Jasmina Poglavc – Senior Product Manager at Gamanza Group AG & Freelance iGaming Consultant

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you, and what challenges do you think the industry needs to address?

My background in iGaming platforms and online operations has given me a unique perspective on the transformative potential of advanced data analytics and AI. These technologies promise significant changes, especially in real-time player engagement for iGaming platforms and operators. By analyzing player behavior, preferences, and patterns in real time, we can offer personalized promotions, customized gaming experiences, and targeted loyalty programs. This not only boosts player satisfaction but also optimizes revenue streams.

However, the full realization of these benefits faces challenges, primarily concerning data privacy and security. Protecting sensitive player information is paramount, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape to align data-driven practices with compliance standards is equally crucial.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

Adaptability has been the most valuable lesson in my career. The gaming and tech sectors are incredibly dynamic, with constant evolutions and innovations. Embracing change, remaining agile, and continuously seeking learning opportunities have been essential for navigating challenges and achieving success. Anticipating industry trends and staying informed about technological and regulatory developments are key to staying ahead.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Stay curious and proactive. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities, keep up with industry trends, and cultivate a strong professional network. Innovation drives the gaming and tech industries, so developing a mindset that embraces change and fosters creativity is crucial.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

The primary challenges include cybersecurity threats, talent acquisition and retention, and adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape. Balancing innovation with compliance is challenging, as regulations often lag behind technological advancements. A strategic, adaptive approach is essential for navigating these challenges, necessitating proactive engagement with regulators and an awareness of legal frameworks.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see?

The gaming industry, exemplified by the situation in Germany, faces challenges from overregulation, which can drive players toward unregulated, black-market operators. While regulations are crucial for ensuring fairness and consumer protection, too restrictive an environment can hinder the industry’s growth and inadvertently compromise player safety.

I advocate for regulations that evolve with technological advancements, are harmonized globally, and are developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders. This approach aims to balance consumer protection with innovation, ensuring a thriving, responsible gaming ecosystem.


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