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Cherry Street Announces Update on Qualifying Transaction with Tribe and Concurrent Financing Led by Stifel GMP

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  • A one-stop-shop for residential community living, Tribe offers tech-enabled community management that is disrupting the traditional market
  • Tribe’s tech-forward service delivery model is fueling one of the fastest growing property management companies in Canada
  • Tribe plans to complete a brokered private placement of $11,629,920 on or about December 11, 2020
  • Cherry Street expects to hold an annual general and special meeting of shareholders on or about January 28, 2021 to approve all matters related to the Qualifying Transaction

Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – December 10, 2020) –  Cherry Street Capital Inc. (TSXV: CHSC.P) (the “Company” or “Cherry Street“) is pleased to provide an update to its previously announced letter of intent dated October 28, 2020 with Tribe Property Technologies Inc. (formerly, Bazinga Technologies Inc.) (“Tribe“), pursuant to which Tribe will complete a going-public transaction (the “Business Combination“).

ABOUT TRIBE

A one-stop-shop for residential community living, Tribe offers tech-enabled Community Management that is disrupting the traditional market. With the fastest growing tech-forward property management company in Canada, Tribe’s integrated service-technology delivery model serves the needs of developers, condo/residential communities and owners/residents versus traditional property management. Tribe is empowering residential community living in cities.

Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada and incorporated pursuant to the laws of British Columbia on December 14, 2011, Tribe has built a brand that focuses on building communities through communication, transparency and access. Tribe empowers condo developers and strata/HOA communities in Canada and the United States, providing digital services to hundreds of residential communities. With aspirations to expand the reach of their services and offer holistic end-to-end community living solutions, Tribe is changing the way people view community living, interact with their neighbours and interface with their homes.

The following selected financial information is taken from the consolidated financial statements of Tribe for the year ended April 30, 2020, which are expected to be included in the filing statement being prepared in connection with the Business Combination:

Total Assets $2,498,842
Total Liabilities $3,262,695
Total Revenues $4,209,916
Net Loss $(2,819,385)

 

Readers are cautioned that the above figures have not been audited and are based on calculations prepared by management. Actual results may differ from those reported in this release once these figures have been audited.

For further information on Tribe, readers are encouraged to review the Company’s news release dated October 30, 2020, and to visit: www.mybazinga.com. Additional information on Tribe, including current financial statements, will be filed and posted on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) upon the completion of a filing statement that will be prepared in connection with the Business Combination.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND THE CONCURRENT FINANCING

In accordance with the terms of the Business Combination, it is anticipated that Tribe will amalgamate with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, following which the resulting amalgamated entity will continue as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Resulting Issuer“).

In accordance with the terms of the Business Combination, it is contemplated that: (i) the Company will consolidate (the “Cherry Street Consolidation“) its common share capital on the basis of one post-Cherry Street Consolidation common share for every 8.4488 pre-Cherry Street Consolidation common shares, such that Cherry Street will have approximately 361,000 shares outstanding; (ii) Tribe will consolidate (the “Tribe Consolidation“) its common share capital on the basis of one post-Tribe Consolidation common share for every 9.1719 pre-Tribe Consolidation common shares, such that Tribe will have approximately 12,400,000 shares outstanding, not including any shares issuable in connection with the conversion of the Receipts (as defined below), the Shareholder Loans (as defined below) and the Acquisition (as defined below); and (iii) Tribe will arrange for outstanding shareholder loans of up to $1,750,000 (the “Shareholder Loans“) to be settled through the issuance of post-Tribe Consolidation common shares at a price of $5.00 per share.

It is further contemplated that the holders of post-Tribe Consolidation common shares (including those investors in the Financing (as defined below), shareholders which converted the Shareholder Loans, and vendors in connection with the Acquisition (the “Converting Shareholders“) will receive one post-Cherry Street Consolidation common share in the capital of the Resulting Issuer in exchange for each outstanding post-Tribe Consolidation common share.

In connection with the Business Combination, Tribe intends to complete a brokered private placement financing (the “Financing“) on or about December 11, 2020, of 2,325,984 subscription receipts (each, a “Receipt” and collectively, the “Receipts“) at a purchase price of $5.00 per Receipt for gross proceeds of $11,629,920, through a syndicate of agents led by Stifel GMP and including, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Haywood Securities Inc. and Richardson Wealth (collectively, the “Agents“). Tribe has granted the Agents an option exercisable up to 48 hours prior to the closing date of the Financing, to arrange for the purchase of up to an additional 15% of the number of Receipts sold under the Financing. The net proceeds from the Financing will be used for completion of the Acquisition (as defined below), working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Agents will receive a commission of (i) 6% of gross proceeds in respect of Receipts sold (other than those sold to certain identified buyers, in respect of which 3.5% of gross proceeds will be paid) and (ii) such number of compensation options (each, a “Compensation Option“) as is equal to 6% of the Receipts sold (other than those sold to certain identified buyers, in respect of which 3.5% will be issued), with each Compensation Option exercisable for one post-Tribe Consolidation common share or one post-Cherry Street Consolidation common share in the capital of the Resulting, as applicable.

Net proceeds of the Financing will be held in escrow pending completion of the Business Combination. Immediately prior to completion of the Business Combination, each Receipt will automatically be converted into one post-Tribe Consolidation common share of Tribe, which will then be exchanged for one post-Cherry Street Consolidation common share of the Resulting Issuer.

Each Receipt will be subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the later of: (i) the Closing Date; and (ii) the date Tribe becomes a reporting issuer in any jurisdiction of Canada. Upon completion of the Business Combination, the common shares of the Resulting Issuer will not be subject to any hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the Business Combination, and subject to the approval of the Exchange, the Company has agreed to advance a working capital loan to Tribe in the principal amount of $225,000 (the “Bridge Loan“). The Bridge Loan will be secured by a general charge over all of the assets of Tribe, and will bear interest at a rate of five percent (5.0%) per annum. In the event the parties elect not to proceed with the Business Combination, Tribe will arrange for repayment of the Bridge Loan, and all accrued interest, within four months of termination of the Business Combination. The proceeds from the Bridge Loan will be utilized to satisfy expenses associated with the Business Combination, and for the general working capital purposes of Tribe.

The Business Combination constitutes a “Qualifying Transaction” for the Company under TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“) Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies. Following completion of the Business Combination, it is anticipated that the Company will be listed on the Exchange as a Tier 2 Technology Issuer under the name “Tribe Property Technologies Inc.” and the ticker symbol “TRIB”. The Company is at arms-length from Tribe and each of its shareholders. Approximately 86% of the outstanding share capital of Tribe is currently controlled by insiders of Tribe. No shareholders of Tribe are considered “control persons” (within the meaning of the policies of the Exchange) of Tribe. A finders’ fee of $120,000 is owing to York Plains Investment Corp., an arms-length third-party, in connection with completion of the Business Combination.

Closing of the Business Combination is subject to a number of conditions including completion of satisfactory due diligence, entering into of a definitive agreement, completion of the Bridge Loan and the Financing, completion of the acquisition of an arms-length property management company by Tribe (the “Acquisition“), completion of the Cherry Street Consolidation and the Tribe Consolidation, the Company having positive working capital of not less than $500,000 after deducting the Bridge Loan and all costs and expenses associated with the Transaction, approval of the Exchange and shareholders of Tribe, and satisfaction of other closing conditions as are customary in transactions of this nature. There can be no assurance that the Business Combination will be completed as proposed or at all. Trading in the common shares of the Company will remain halted pending further filings with the Exchange.

It is expected that following completion of the Business Combination and the Financing (i) security holders of Tribe (including the Converting Shareholders) will hold 12,853,274 common shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer (“Resulting Issuer Shares“), representing approximately 82.71% of the Resulting Issuer’s issued and outstanding shares (assuming the issuance of 2,325,984 Receipts pursuant to the Financing and the conversion of $1,266,368 Shareholder Loans and the issuance of $1,000,000 worth of post-Tribe Consolidation common shares in connection with the Acquisition); (ii) shareholders of the Company will hold 361,000 common shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer, representing approximately 2.32% of the Resulting Issuer’s issued and outstanding shares; and (iii) certain directors, members of the management team and shareholders will own more than 10% of the Resulting Issuer, namely Aquilini Investment Group (28.35%), Talal Yassin (17.49%), Joseph Nakhla, Director and Chief Executive Officer (13.74%) and Raymond Choy, Director (10.58%).

Following the completion of the Business Combination, the board of directors of the Company will be reconstituted to consist of Joseph Nakhla, Raymond Choy, Andrew Kiguel and Charmaine Crooks. Management of the Company will consist of Joseph Nakhla as Chief Executive Officer and John Tims as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. The following are brief profiles of the proposed members of management and the board of directors:

Joseph Nakhla: Director and Chief Executive Officer

Joseph is a serial entrepreneur; passionate about creating livable cities and simplifying residential community living. He is the founder of bazinga! Technologies, a leading condo-living platform used in communities around the world. He is a Director and CEO of Tribe Property Technologies, including Tribe Management, one of Canada’s fastest growing residential management companies. Joseph is the former COO of TIO Networks, a former TSX listed company acquired by Paypal. He currently sits on the Boards of not-for-profits helping change business improvement policies, as well as industry leading companies such as OctoAI and Minehub.

Raymond Choy: Director

Raymond is the President and Board Member of Peterson Group. With over 20 years of experience in business and real estate in North America, he combines knowledge, networks, and vision with his energetic leadership style. He was formerly the Chief Investment Officer, responsible for acquisitions and dispositions, developments, capital lending, private equity, and partnerships. Raymond is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Public Accountant (Illinois) with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University. He is active in the community, having participated in many of Peterson’s charitable initiatives, and served as past Director of the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association and Chair of the NAIOP Education Committee.

Andrew Kiguel: Director (Independent)

Andrew is an accomplished executive with leadership experience in Canadian capital markets, corporate governance and entrepreneurship. He was the co-founder and CEO of Hut 8 Mining, one of the largest publicly listed bitcoin miners in the world with a listing market capitalization of $450 million and over $140 million of revenue within the first 24 months. Prior to that, Andrew spent over 18 years at GMP Securities (now Stifel Canada) in investment banking, his most recent title as a Managing Director and Head of Real Estate Banking.

Charmaine Crooks: Director (Independent)

Charmaine is a Member of the Order of Canada, five-time Olympian, Entrepreneur and Community Leader. Based in West Vancouver, with over 20 years of corporate governance experience as a director on several national and international non-profit and public boards. Charmaine is the president and founder of NGU Consultants Inc., providing global strategic advisory and corporate development to a variety of sectors including technology, sports, e-sports, health and major events. She is Vice President of the Global Esports Federation and founding Chair, Canada Esports Association. Recognized in 2018 as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network.

John Tims: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

John (CPA/CGA) is a motivational, hands-on finance and accounting leader with more than 25 years of proven performance in manufacturing, service and distribution organizations – six of which are in strata and property management. His experience encompasses finance, risk management, IT management, acquisitions and rapid growth environments. He has an exceptional ability to lead and motivate teams, foster growth, reduce costs and provide risk mitigation solutions.

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship may be required by the Exchange unless exempt in accordance with Exchange policies. The Company intends to seek an exemption from the sponsorship requirements. If applicable, the Company will include any additional information regarding sponsorship in a subsequent press release.

For further information, contact Rudy Cheddie at [email protected].

For further information from Tribe, contact Joseph Nakhla at [email protected].

On behalf of the Board,

Cherry Street Capital Inc.

Rudy Cheddie, Chief Executive Officer

Completion of the Business Combination is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance. The Business Combination cannot close until the required approvals are obtained, and the outstanding conditions satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Business Combination will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Business Combination, any information released or received with respect to the Business Combination may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Business Combination and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws regarding the Company and Tribe and their respective businesses, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the filing of the filing statement, the completion of the Business Combination, the Financing and the Acquisition, the terms on which the Business Combination, the Financing and the Acquisition are intended to be completed, the ability to obtain regulatory and shareholder approvals and other factors. When or if used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to proposed financing activity, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third-party information and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s and Tribe’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company and Tribe do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“). The Company and Tribe have not registered and will not register the securities under the U.S. Securities Act. The Company and Tribe do not intend to engage in a public offering of their securities in the United States.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE U.S. OR TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/70023

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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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The post Insights from Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Speakers (pre-event) appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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