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Meteorite Capital Inc. Agrees to Qualifying Transaction with Sparkit Media Inc.

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Montreal, Quebec–(Newsfile Corp. – May 19, 2020) –  Meteorite Capital Inc. (TSXV: MTR) (“Meteorite“) announces that it has signed a binding letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement“) with Sparkit Media Inc. (“Sparkit“), a privately held corporation existing under the laws of British Columbia, which outlines the general terms and conditions pursuant to which METEORITE and Sparkit have agreed to complete a transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of METEORITE by the shareholders of Sparkit (the “Transaction“). The Letter Agreement was negotiated at arm’s length and is effective as of May 18, 2020. All dollar amounts set forth herein are in Canadian dollars.

Sparkit Media Inc. is an Influencer marketing and sales platform with sponsorship capabilities. Sparkit leverages the power of crowdsourcing and voting to use fan-generated ideas to create highly engaging online video “events” for its own digital advertising campaigns. Sparkit amplifies Influencer reach and engagement and monetizes the entire fan base of an Influencer by leveraging traffic from other networks including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. Sparkit enables a brand new revenue exchange between consumers, sponsors and Influencers. The registered office of Sparkit is located at 2900 – 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, V6C 0A3 . Sparkit was incorporated under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act on August 21, 2013

Terms of the Transaction

Prior to the completion of the Transaction, METEORITE shall file articles of amendment to effect a name change (the “Name Change“) to a name chosen by Sparkit and acceptable to the applicable regulatory authorities and the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV“).

The Transaction is then expected to proceed by way of a three cornered amalgamation (the “Amalgamation“) pursuant to which Sparkit shall amalgamate with a wholly-owned subsidiary of METEORITE, and METEORITE will acquire all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of Sparkit (the “Sparkit Shares“), in exchange for METEORITE Common Shares on the basis of 0.0995 METEORITE Common Shares for every one Sparkit Share issued and outstanding (the “Exchange Ratio“), reflecting a deemed price of $0.225 per METEORITE Common Share or such other value that is acceptable to METEORITE, Sparkit and the TSXV, such that Sparkit will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of METEORITE as it exists following the completion of the Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer“). As a condition to the Amalgamation all outstanding options, convertible notes, convertible debt and any other agreement for the purchase Sparkit Shares shall either have been exercised for their rightful common shares of Sparkit prior to the Amalgamation or cancelled.

Concurrently with the closing of the Transaction, METEORITE intends to conduct a brokered private placement offering of Common Share units (the “Units“) led by Leede Jones Gable (the “Agent“) for gross proceeds to Meteorite of a minimum of $1,755,000 and a maximum of $2,2500,000 (the “Offering“), in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. Each Unit shall be comprised of one Common Share and on half (1/2) Common Share purchase warrant (each, a “Warrant“). Each whole Warrant will entitle its holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.35 for a period of twenty four (24) months following the completion of the Transaction. The Agents will receive a cash commission (the “Cash Commission“) equal to 8% of the gross proceeds raised in the Offering and such number of broker warrants (the “Broker Warrants“) that is equal to 8% of the number of Units sold, provided that no Cash Commission will be payable or Broker Warrants issuable for purchasers that are on METEORITE’s President’s List. Each Broker Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Unit at a price of $0.225 until the date which is 24 months following the completion of the Transaction, subject to customary anti-dilution provisions.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to expand Sparkit’s business and for general corporate purposes.

The Units (common share and warrants), issued pursuant to the Offering will be offered in minimum subscriptions of 20,000 Units ($4,500) by way of a subscription agreement for accredited investors only and will be subject to a statutory hold or restricted period of four (4) months and one day after the Offering Closing Date.

Insiders, Officers and Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of the Transaction, all of the officers and two of the three METEORITE directors will resign and be replaced by nominees of Sparkit. The following sets out the names and backgrounds of the persons that are currently proposed to be the directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer.

Clovis Najm, who is currently the President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Sparkit Media Inc. and will continue in these positions with the Resulting Issuer. Mr. Najm is responsible for the strategy, team and growth of Sparkit. Having created three companies, and completed one full acquisition to date, Mr. Najm is familiar with developing new technologies that break into new markets. Past commercialization includes tech-heavy organizations such as the United States Navy and Cisco Systems. Ad technology brands have included Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen and Shaw Media in Canada.

Lisa Dea, Chief Financial Officer of Latitude Health Sciences Inc. has been asked to accept the role of a director and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Resulting Issuer. Ms. Dea, CPA, CA has over 19 years of experience in the finance, securities and accounting fields. Ms. Dea has been the CFO of several TSX listed companies where she was responsible for corporate strategy, all aspects of finance and legal, debt and capital market activities, managing banking relationships with US, Canadian and International banks, internal and external public reporting, financial controls, processes and corporate governance. She has been instrumental in helping several companies grow from the development stage to large-scale commercial operations. Ms. Dea, previous to her time in industry, spent eleven years at Deloitte & Touche LLP, achieving the position of Senior Manager. Ms. Dea obtained her Chartered Accountants designation in 1997 and holds a BComm from the University of British Columbia.

Charles R. Spector will stay on as a director of the Resulting Issuer.

As at the date hereof, the above individuals collectively own, in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, approximately 56.9% of the issued and outstanding Sparkit Common Shares. To the knowledge of Sparkit, the only persons who currently holds more than 10% of the voting securities of Sparkit currently outstanding are Clovis Najm (who owns 56.7% of the issued and outstanding Sparkit Common Shares and is expected to own 33.5% METEORITE Common Shares on completion of the Transaction, based on the minimum subscription being attained), and Gabe Albarian Jr. (who owns 27.3 % of the issued and outstanding Sparkit Common Shares and is expected to own 16.1% METEORITE Common Shares on completion of the Transaction, based on the minimum subscription being attained).

Capitalization

As of the date hereof, (i) METEORITE has 7,065,000 Common Shares issued and outstanding, as well as 500,000 broker warrants (each exercisable to acquire one METEORITE Common Share at a price of $0.15 per Common Share) and options to acquire an aggregate of 706,500 Common Shares at $0.15 per Common Share; and (ii) Sparkit has 213,447,865 common shares outstanding and, following the exercise or cancellation of any options and the conversion of all promissory notes and certain outstanding trade payables, will have approximately 223,277,032 common shares outstanding. Prior to the completion of the Transaction, all of the Sparkit Options will have either been exercised into their rightful number of Sparkit Common Shares or cancelled and all of the Sparkit promissory notes and the trade payables will have been converted into Sparkit Common Shares.

Based upon the number of issued and outstanding shares in each of METEORITE and Sparkit on the date hereof, upon completion of the Transaction and the Offering (assuming that it is fully subscribed), it is expected that the Resulting Issuer will have approximately 39,787,222 Common Shares issued and outstanding (non-diluted), of which the current shareholders of METEORITE will hold 7,065,000 Common Shares representing approximately 17.76% (assuming no exercise of any convertible securities of METEORITE prior to closing), the former shareholders of Sparkit will hold 22,222,222 Common Shares representing approximately 55.85% and the purchasers under the Offering will hold 10,000,000 Common Shares representing approximately 25.13%.

In addition, upon completion of the Consolidation, Transaction and the Offering, the Resulting Issuer will also have outstanding approximately 1,828,722 stock options and broker warrants (not accounting for any exercises thereof).

Financial Information for Sparkit

METEORITE will provide further details in respect of the Transaction and financial information regarding Sparkit, in due course by way of press release. However, METEORITE will make available to the TSXV, all financial information as required by the TSXV and will provide, in a press release to be disseminated at a later date, summary financial information derived from such statements.

Upon completion of the Transaction, it is the intention of the parties that the Resulting Issuer will continue to focus on the current business and affairs of Sparkit and will be an Industrial or Technology Issuer listed on the TSXV.

Conditions to Transaction

The Transaction is subject to various conditions, including as follows:

  • completion of satisfactory due diligence;

  • completion of the Offering;

  • METEORITE and Sparkit entering into a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement“) in respect to the Transaction; and

  • all requisite shareholder and regulatory approvals relating to the Consolidation and Transaction, including, without limitation, TSXV approval, will have been obtained.

Additional Information Regarding the Transaction

The final legal structure for the Transaction will be determined after the parties have considered all applicable tax, securities law, and accounting efficiencies.

The Letter Agreement contains standard confidentiality, access to information and non-solicitation provisions.

The Transaction is expected to be completed on or about July 31, 2020. The Letter Agreement may be terminated upon mutual written agreement of the parties, in the event of any breach by Sparkit of the standstill provisions, in the event the Definitive Agreement is not entered into by June 30, 2020.

METEORITE exists under the provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act with its registered and head office located at 1 Place Ville Marie, Suite 3900, Montreal, Québec. It is a capital pool company and intends for the Transaction to constitute its “Qualifying Transaction” as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV. METEORITE is a “reporting issuer” within the meaning of the Securities Act of each of the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Québec.

Since the Transaction is an arm’s length transaction, METEORITE is not required to obtain shareholder approval for the Transaction. However, it will be required to obtain shareholder approval of the Name Change. The Transaction is also subject to shareholder approval of Sparkit.

METEORITE has also agreed to issue to the Agent and other parties who assisted in locating the target and advising upon the completion of the Qualifying Transaction, an advisory fee of 500,000 of METEORITE common shares at a deemed price of $0.225 per share, for advising Sparkit and METEORITE through the Qualifying Transaction process, representing approximately 1.33% of the common shares of the Resulting Issuer. All of these parties are dealing with METEORITE, Sparkit and the Resulting Issuer at arm’s length.

METEORITE has also agreed, subject to the fulfilment of the conditions set forth in section 8.5 of Policy 2.4, to advance to Sparkit an additional amount of up to $100,000 in order to allow Sparkit to preserve its assets and business pending the completion of the Qualifying Transaction. The additional advance will be used to continue to allow Sparkit to preserve its assets and business and will be made on similar terms and conditions as the prior advance described below.

On April 19, 2020, METEORITE had previously advanced $25,000 to Sparkit. This prior advance is payable on June 30, 2020, bears interest at a rate of 6.5% per annum and is memorialized in a promissory note from Sparkit.

Sponsorship

METEORITE proposes to make an application for exemption from the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV in connection with the Transaction. However, there is no assurance that the TSXV will exempt METEORITE from all or part of applicable sponsorship requirements.

Further Information

All information contained in this news release with respect to METEORITE and Sparkit was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

For further information regarding the Transaction, please contact:

Charles R. Spector, Secretary and Director, METEORITE Capital Inc.

Telephone:     (514) 878-8847
Email:             [email protected]

Clovis Najm, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Sparkit Media Inc.

Telephone:     778-960-2701
Email:             [email protected]

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, 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 TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD‐LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the terms and conditions of the proposed Consolidation and Transaction; the terms and conditions of the proposed Offering; use of funds; and the business and operations of the Resulting Issuer after the proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, METEORITE and Sparkit assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication,
distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/56134

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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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