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Richmond Road Capital Corp. Announces Qualifying Transaction with Fredonia Management Ltd.

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Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – January 11, 2021) – Richmond Road Capital Corp. (TSXV: RRD.H) (“RRCC“), a capital pool company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“), and Fredonia Management Ltd. (“Fredonia“), a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands with gold and silver exploration properties in the Deseado Massif, Santa Cruz, Argentina, are pleased to announce that they have signed an arm’s length non-binding letter of intent dated October 29, 2020, as amended and restated on December 15, 2020 and January 11, 2021 (the “Letter of Intent“) in respect of a proposed business combination (the “Proposed Transaction“) that would result in the reverse takeover of RRCC by Fredonia. It is anticipated that the Proposed Transaction will constitute RRCC’s “Qualifying Transaction” pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the Exchange. Following the completion of the Proposed Transaction, the resulting entity (the “Resulting Issuer“) will hold all of the assets and continue the business of Fredonia.

About Fredonia

Fredonia was incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands and currently has 109,006,378 common shares (the “Fredonia Shares“) issued and outstanding.

Resource Capital Fund VI L.P. (the “RCF Fund“) it is a “control person” of the Fredonia (as defined by Canadian securities laws) with 26,947,413 shares, equivalent to 24.72% of the total Fredonia Shares issued and outstanding. RCF Fund, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership is controlled by its general partner, Resource Capital Associates VI L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership which in turn is controlled by its general partner, RCA VI GP Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company. Investment decisions are made by an appointed investment committee consisting of seven individuals and decisions are made by a simple majority. No individual has the power to bind the fund or veto the decisions of the investment committee.

Fredonia, directly or indirectly, owns a 100% interest in certain license areas (totaling approximately 18,300 ha.) (collectively, the “Project“), all within the Deseado Massif geological region in the Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, including the following principal areas: El Aguila, approx. 9,100ha, Petrificados, approx. 3,000ha, and the flagship, advanced El Dorado-Monserrat (“EDM“) covering approx. 6,200ha located close to Anglo Gold Ashanti’s Cerro Vanguardia mine, subject to a 1.5% net smelter return royalty on the EDM, 0.5% net profits interest on Winki II, El Aguila I, El Aguila II and Petrificados.

About the Project

The Deseado massif is a tectonic block which comprises Jurassic and Cretaceous volcanic outpouring, containing two important geological groups: the Bajo Pobre and Chon Aike both of which are prospective for low sulphidation epithermal style gold-silver mineralisation, such as being exploited at the Cerro Vanguardia gold – silver mine.

Historical exploration of the EDM licence dates to the initial drill programme in 1988. Several exploration companies held the licence area and undertook exploration. Aur Resources (under an option agreement) and subsequently Samco Gold completed almost 30,000m of diamond core drilling between 2004 and 2012 with continued encouragement towards identifying a gold-silver resource. The property was returned to the current owners in 2017 and a 2100m drilling campaign conducted in 2018 with sufficient encouragement that a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report focusing on the Main Veins area of EDM.

The Aguila property is interpreted as representing a failed caldera. Fredonia undertook a 2,430.4m diamond core (HQ) drill program in 2017 – results were encouraging. A follow up exploration programme, including further drilling is planned.

There had been no significant exploration conducted on the Petrificados property by Fredonia. However, historical exploration data and remote sensing studies indicate a potential for similar low sulphidation epithermal gold mineralisation hosted in the Jurassic volcanic.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Marc J. Sale, the joint author of the NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared in respect of the Project, and a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Summary of Proposed Transaction and Concurrent Financing

Transaction Structure

The Letter of Intent provides that RRCC and Fredonia will negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement in respect of the Proposed Transaction (the “Definitive Agreement“) as soon as possible. The Proposed Transaction will be completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation or such other alternative structure to be determined, having regard to relevant, tax securities and other factors, and the shareholders of Fredonia will receive common shares of RRCC (the “RRCC Shares“) in exchange for their Fredonia Shares, resulting in a reverse takeover of RRCC by Fredonia. Entering into of the Definitive Agreement is conditional upon RRCC and Fredonia each being satisfied with the results of full financial, business, legal, environmental, labour and other due diligence investigations in respect of the other party.

For the purposes of the Proposed Transaction the deemed value of each Fredonia Share (the “Fredonia Share Value“) will be $0.17, such price being based on the pricing of the Concurrent Financing. In connection with the Proposed Transaction, the RRCC Shares will be consolidated on the basis of one post-consolidation share for every 1.36 pre-consolidation shares, such basis resulting in the deemed value of the RRCC Shares being equal to the Fredonia Share Value (the “Consolidation“). It is intended that post-Consolidated RRCC Shares will be issued to the holders of Fredonia Shares on the basis of one post-Consolidated RRCC Share for every one Fredonia Share.

Certain common shares of the Resulting Issuer to be issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction are expected to be subject to restrictions on resale or escrow under the policies of the Exchange, including the securities to be issued to “Principals” (as defined under Exchange policies), which will subject to the escrow requirements of the Exchange.

The Proposed Transaction is subject to, among other things, the negotiation and execution of the Definitive Agreement, each of Fredonia and RRCC being satisfied with the results of its due diligence review of the other party, completion of the Concurrent Financing and each of the parties obtaining all necessary board, shareholder and regulatory approvals, including the conditional approval of the Exchange, and other standard closing conditions. The terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction may change based on RRCC’s due diligence (which will be limited as the RRCC intends to rely upon the due diligence conducted by the Exchange and the Agents in connection with the Concurrent Financing) and the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both RRCC and Fredonia.

On completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer is expected to qualify as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 mining issuer on TSXV.

Concurrent Financing

Fredonia has entered into an engagement letter with Paradigm Capital Inc. and Red Cloud Securities Inc. as co-lead agents (the “Agents“) to undertake a best efforts private placement offering (the “Concurrent Financing“) of subscription receipts of Fredonia (the “Subscription Receipts“), subject to, among other things, the entering into of an agency agreement. The Concurrent Financing is for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $6.4 million, subject to a minimum aggregate gross proceeds of $5 million, at a price of $0.17 per Subscription Receipt.

The Agents shall have the option (the “Agents’ Option“) to increase the size of the Concurrent Financing by up to 15% of the base offering size, which Agents’ Option shall be exercisable, by notice in writing to Fredonia, at any time not less than 48 hours prior to the closing date of the Concurrent Financing.

The gross proceeds raised in connection with the Concurrent Financing, less expenses and the Agent’s cash commission (the “Escrowed Funds“), will be delivered to and held in escrow on behalf of the subscribers by TSX Trust Company or such other licenced escrow agent as determined by Fredonia and the Agents (the “Escrow Agent“) and invested in an interest-bearing account, or short-term obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the Government of Canada or any other investments that may be approved by Fredonia and the Agents, pending the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted) of certain escrow release conditions (the “Escrow Release Conditions“) on or before the 120th day after the closing of the Concurrent Financing (the “Termination Date“), in accordance with the provisions of a subscription agreement to be entered into with the subscribers in the Concurrent Financing and a subscription receipt agreement (the “Subscription Receipt Agreement“) to be entered into with the Escrow Agent. Finder’s fees may be payable in connection with sourcing investors to participate in the Concurrent Financing.

Each Subscription Receipt shall entitle the holder thereof to receive, upon automatic exchange in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, without payment of additional consideration or further act or formality on the part of the holder thereof, one common share in the capital of Fredonia (each, an “Underlying Share“) upon the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent such waiver is permitted) of the Escrow Release Conditions on or before the Termination Date.

Each Underlying Share will then be exchanged for one post-Consolidation RRCC Share in connection with the closing of the Proposed Transaction.

The Escrow Release Conditions are comprised of:

  1. raising minimum gross proceeds of $5 million under the Concurrent Financing;
  1. the receipt of all required corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the Qualifying Transaction and Concurrent Financing;
  1. the completion, satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the Qualifying Transaction substantially in accordance with the definitive agreement relating thereto, to the satisfaction of the Co-Lead Agents acting reasonably (other than the release of the Escrowed Funds);
  1. written confirmation to the Agents from each of Fredonia and RRCC that all conditions of the Qualifying Transaction have been satisfied or waived, other than release of the Escrowed Funds, and that the Qualifying Transaction shall be completed forthwith upon release of the Escrowed Funds;
  1. the distribution of (i) the Underlying Shares and (ii) the Resulting Issuer common shares to be issued in exchange for the Underlying Shares pursuant to the Qualifying Transaction following the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions being exempt from applicable prospectus and registration requirements of applicable securities laws and not subject to any hold or restricted period;
  1. the Resulting Issuer common shares being conditionally approved for listing on the TSXV, and the completion, satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to such listing, other than the release of the Escrowed Funds; and
  1. Fredonia and the Agents shall have delivered a joint notice and direction to the Escrow Agent in regards to the satisfaction of conditions precedent for the release of the Escrow Funds to the Resulting Issuer (the “Release Notice“).

In the event that: (i) the Escrow Agent does not receive the Release Notice at or prior to 11:59 p.m. (Toronto time) on the Termination Date, or (ii) if prior to the Termination Date, the Company advises the subscribers or announces to the public that it does not intend to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions, the Subscription Receipts will be null and void and of no further effect, and the Escrow Agent will return to each holder of Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate subscription price of the Subscription Receipts held by such holder plus a pro rata portion of any interest and other income earned on the Escrowed Funds, less applicable withholding taxes, if any. Fredonia will be responsible and liable to the holders of Subscription Receipts for any shortfall between the aggregate Subscription Price and the Escrowed Funds.

In the event the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied, and the Proposed Transaction is completed, the Escrowed Funds will be released to the Company.

Fredonia intends to use the Escrowed Funds to fund the exploration of the Project, pay for expenses of the Concurrent Financing and Proposed Transaction, and for general working capital purposes.

Proposed Directors and Officers

It is anticipated that all of the current directors and officers of RRCC will resign from their respective positions with RRCC in connection with the closing of the Proposed Transaction. The board and management of the Resulting Issuer shall be comprised of Fredonia nominees, and is expected to include a board comprised of Dr. Ricardo Auriemma, Ali Mahdavi, Estanislao Auriemma, Dr. Waldo Perez and Michael Doolan. Management is expected to include Ali Mahdavi as Chairman, Estanislao Auriemma as Chief Executive Officer, and Carlos Espinosa as Chief Financial Officer. The following are brief descriptions of the currently proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer:

Ali Mahdavi – Chairman of the Board

Mr. Mahdavi is the Founder and Managing Director of Spinnaker Capital Markets Inc., a Toronto based capital markets advisory firm with a 15 year track record in charting long term success for private and public companies in a variety of sectors specializing in finding growth capital, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations. Prior to Spinnaker, Mr. Mahdavi was the Director of Corporate Finance at Minacs Worldwide where he was in charge of the Company’s activities in the capital markets including mergers and acquisitions, and prior to that, he held senior positions at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and the Bank of Nova Scotia. Mr. Mahdavi attended York University where he studied Economics and Business.

Estanislao Auriemma – Chief Executive Officer and director

Joined Grupo Minero Aconcagua S.A. in 1996 and has held several positions within the group. He has participated in the promotion of major mining projects such as Hualilan (gold), Agua Rica (copper), and San Jorge (copper). Between 2011 and 2015 he assumed the Presidency of Samco Gold S.A. and Director of Samco Gold Ltd. Director of Neo Lithium Corp. at present.

Dr. Ricardo Auriemma – director

PhD in Natural Sciences (Universidad Nacional de La Plata). Cofounder, Vice president and Director of Northern Orion Explorations Ltd. and President in Argentina of all its subsidiaries, Recursos Americanos Argentinos S.A., Minera San Jorge S.A. y Agua Rica S.A. 1994 – 2003. President of Grupo Minero Aconcagua S.A. (2001 – Present). Director of Samco Gold Ltd. (2011 – 2016)

Dr. Waldo Perez – director

Dr. Waldo Perez PhD, is the discoverer of several producing mines as well as founder of Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE, TSX) and Neo Lithium Corp. (TSXV). He is the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of Neo Lithium Corp. at present.

Michael Doolan – director

Michael Doolan was until recently Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Neo Performance Materials (successor to Molycorp, Inc.), a position he held since June 2012 when Molycorp acquired Neo Material Technologies. He served in the same position with Neo Material Technologies from 2005 until 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Doolan served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Falconbridge Limited of Toronto before its merger with Noranda, Inc. He has over 35 years’ experience in all aspects of financial management, with specific expertise in international mergers and acquisitions, offshore financing structures, and international treasury management.

Carlos Espinosa – Chief Financial Officer

He is a mining executive with over 25 years of experience within Canadian capital markets, international business development and commercial banking. He is President, CEO and Director at Monarca Minerals (TSXV: MMN), Director at Latitude Mining and former Head of Business Development, Global Mining at the TSX and TSXV. Mr. Espinosa earned an MBA from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University and a B.B.A. from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico.

Principals or Insiders of the Resulting Issuer

In addition to the forgoing proposed directors and officers, the following are the person that are expected to qualify as Principals and Insiders (as those terms are defined in TSXV policy) of the Resulting Issuer:

RCF Fund

RCF Fund, a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership is controlled by its general partner, Resource Capital Associates VI L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership which in turn is controlled by its general partner, RCA VI GP Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company. Investment decisions are made by an appointed investment committee consisting of seven individuals and decisions are made by a simple majority. No individual has the power to bind the fund or veto the decisions of the investment committee.
Ricardo Auriemma
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ricardo is a PhD in Natural Sciences with extensive experience as a founder, manager, director and investor in several mining companies.
Amalia Auriemma
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Amalia has a PhD in Natural Sciences. She was a professor at the National University of La Plata with an outstanding career as a scientist and teacher. Together with Ricardo, she was the founder and director of several companies in the mining sector.

 
Selected Financial Information

The following table sets out selected financial information with respect to Fredonia as at the dates noted. The selected financial information is derived from Fredonia’s unaudited consolidated financial statements for the periods described and denominated in US dollars.

As at
December 31, 2018
(unaudited)
As at
December 31, 2019
(unaudited)
As at
June 30,
2020
(unaudited)
Total assets 10,563,853.53 13,171,598.02 10,402,474.08
Total liabilities 825,249.25 1,093,354.29 949,658.65
Shareholders’ equity 9,738,604.28 9,523,226.60 9,452,815.43
Revenues 32,467.86 16,339.49 36,714.55
Net Profits / Losses -386,100.37 -39,250.19 -71,953.82


Sponsorship

Sponsorship of a qualifying transaction of a capital pool company is required by the TSXV unless exempt in accordance with TSXV policies. Fredonia intends to apply for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements. There is no assurance that Fredonia will ultimately obtain an exemption from sponsorship.

Additional Information

Additional information concerning the Proposed Transaction, RRCC, Fredonia and the Resulting Issuer, including financial information of Fredonia, will be provided in subsequent news releases and in RRCC’s Filing Statement to be filed in connection with the Proposed Transaction, which will be available under RRCC’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

The Proposed Transaction will not constitute a “Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction” (as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange). Accordingly, it is not anticipated that the Proposed Transaction will be subject to the approval of RRCC shareholders.

In accordance with the policies of the Exchange, RRCC Shares are currently halted from trading and will remain so until such time as the Exchange determines, which, depending on the policies of the Exchange, may not occur until completion of the Proposed Transaction.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and any securities issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

About RRCC

RRCC is a capital pool company formed under the Exchange capital pool company program. RRCC currently has issued and outstanding 6,000,000 RRCC Shares and 600,000 incentive stock options to acquire 600,000 RRCC Shares at a price of $0.10 per share.

For further information:

Richmond Road Capital Corp.
Michael Doyle, CEO
Phone: 403-708-2427
Email: [email protected]

Fredonia Management Ltd.
Ali Mahdavi
Chairman
Email: [email protected]

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and obtaining all required shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that the Proposed 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 Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed 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 Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

All information contained in this news release with respect to RRCC, Fredonia, and the Resulting Issuer was supplied by the parties, respectively, for inclusion herein, and RRCC and its directors and officers have relied on Fredonia for any information concerning such party.

Forward-Looking Statements

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 Transaction, the Concurrent Financing, the Consolidation, the business and operations of RRCC, Fredonia and the Resulting Issuer, go-forward management of the Resulting Issuer; the trading of the Resulting Issuer Shares, and the receipt of director, shareholder and regulatory approvals. 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, court 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, RRCC and Fredonia assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. The terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction may change based on RRCC’ due diligence (which will be limited as the RRCC intends to rely upon the due diligence conducted by the Agent in connection with the Concurrent Financing) and the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both RRCC and Fredonia. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release.

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71759

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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.


Click here to register and unlock the door to endless possibilities at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. Your next big opportunity awaits!

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

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