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Yorktown Funds and Weston Entities Acquire Common Shares of Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (Formerly Fusion Gold Ltd.) in Connection with Reverse Takeover

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New York, New York–(Newsfile Corp. – February 16, 2021) – Yorktown Energy Partners IV, L.P. (“Yorktown IV“), Yorktown Energy Partners VI, L.P. (“Yorktown VI“) and Yorktown Energy Partners XI, L.P. (“Yorktown XI” and together with Yorktown IV and Yorktown VI, the “Yorktown Entities“), each of which is a limited partnership managed by Yorktown Partners LLC (“Yorktown Partners“), and Weston Energy, LLC (“Weston Energy“) and Weston Energy II, LLC (“Weston II” and, together with Weston Energy, the “Weston Entities“), each of which is considered to be controlled by Yorktown XI under applicable securities laws in Canada, jointly announced today that they have exchanged their common shares (“BMR Shares“) of Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (“BMR“), a British Columbia corporation, for common shares (“Issuer Shares“) of Fusion Gold Ltd. (“Issuer“) in connection with the amalgamation (“Amalgamation“) of BMR and 1234525 B.C. Ltd. (“1234525“), which was, immediately prior to the Amalgamation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Issuer. The Amalgamation was completed on February 12, 2021, and constituted:

  • a reverse takeover of the Issuer;
  • the Qualifying Transaction of the Issuer for purposes of Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange; and
  • a “going public” transaction for BMR.

In connection with the Amalgamation, the corporate name of the Issuer was changed to “Battery Mineral Resources Corp.”.

On February 12, 2021, immediately prior to the Amalgamation, Weston Energy acquired an aggregate of 3,200,000 Issuer Shares from two principals of the Issuer, January Vandale and David De Witt, pursuant to share purchase agreements, dated December 23, 2019, between Weston Energy and each of January Vandale and David De Witt (the “Weston Share Purchase Transaction“). Those Issuer Shares were subsequently (but prior to the Amalgamation) consolidated into 1,600,000 Issuer Shares.

Prior to the Weston Share Purchase Transaction, the Weston Entities did not own any securities of the Issuer. The 1,600,000 (post-consolidation) Issuer Shares acquired by Weston Energy in connection with the Weston Share Purchase Transaction represented approximately 1.2% of the outstanding shares of the Issuer immediately following the Amalgamation. Immediately prior to the Amalgamation, none of the Yorktown Entities owned any securities of the Issuer (except that Yorktown XI may (as a result of Yorktown XI’s control of Weston Energy for purposes of applicable securities laws in Canada) be considered to have had deemed beneficial ownership of the 1,600,000 (post-consolidation) Issuer Shares acquired by Weston Energy in connection with the Weston Share Purchase Transaction). Upon completion of the Amalgamation:

  • Yorktown IV acquired 19,500,000 Issuer Shares in exchange for 19,500,000 BMR Shares;
  • Yorktown VI acquired 6,300,000 Issuer Shares in exchange for 6,300,000 BMR Shares; and
  • Yorktown XI acquired 4,200,000 Issuer Shares in exchange for 4,200,000 BMR Shares (not including any Issuer Shares of which Yorktown XI may be considered a deemed beneficial owner as a result of Yorktown XI’s control of Weston Energy for purposes of applicable securities laws in Canada),

which represented 14.39%, 4.65% and 3.10%, respectively, of the outstanding Issuer Shares immediately following the Amalgamation.

In addition, upon completion of the Amalgamation:

  • Weston Energy acquired 63,001,000 Issuer Shares in exchange for 63,001,000 BMR Shares; and
  • Weston II acquired 7,000,000 Issuer Shares in exchange for 7,000,000 BMR Shares,

which represented 46.5% and 5.17%, respectively, of the outstanding Issuer Shares immediately following the Amalgamation.

A majority of the outstanding voting shares of Weston Energy and Weston II are owned by Yorktown XI, and each of Weston Energy and Weston II is considered to be controlled by Yorktown XI under applicable securities laws in Canada. Accordingly, under applicable securities laws in Canada:

  • Yorktown XI is deemed to beneficially own the Issuer Shares owned by Weston Energy and Weston II, respectively; and
  • each of Weston Energy and Weston II is deemed to beneficially own the Issuer Shares owned by the other.

After completion of the Weston Share Purchase Transaction and the Amalgamation, Weston Energy owns 64,601,000 Issuer Shares, which represented approximately 47.68% of the outstanding Issuer Shares immediately following the Amalgamation, and the Yorktown Entities and the Weston Entities own an aggregate of 101,601,000 Issuer Shares, which represented approximately 75% of the outstanding shares of the Issuer immediately following the Amalgamation.

The purchase price of the 3,200,000 (pre-consolidation) Issuer Shares acquired by Weston Energy in connection with the Weston Share Purchase Transaction was CDN$0.08 per share ($256,000 in the aggregate), which was paid in cash at closing of the Weston Share Purchase Transaction on February 12, 2021. For purposes of the Amalgamation, each Issuer Share acquired by Yorktown IV, Yorktown VI, Yorktown XI, Weston Energy and Weston II (in exchange for a BMR Share) had an ascribed value of CDN $0.65 per share ($12,675,000, $4,095,000, $2,730,000, $40,950,650 and $4,550,000 in the aggregate, respectively).

Pursuant to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, dated August 31, 2020, between each of the Yorktown Entities and BMR (the “Transfer Agreement“), the Yorktown Entities are entitled to receive up to 30 million additional BMR Shares (at an ascribed price of CDN $0.65 per share (subject to adjustment)) if BMR receives proceeds in excess of $10 million on account of its ownership of common shares of ESI Energy Services Inc., in certain circumstances (a “Contingent Event“) contemplated by the Transfer Agreement (provided the Contingent Event occurs prior to March 31, 2021). There is no certainty that a Contingent Event will occur by March 31, 2021. The Transfer Agreement further provides that, following the Amalgamation (as a result of which the business of BMR is now wholly-owned by the Issuer), each of the Yorktown Entities will accept, in lieu of additional BMR Shares, a number of Issuer Shares determined in accordance with the Transfer Agreement and based on the exchange ratio utilized for purposes of the Amalgamation.

The percentage calculations set out in this News Release do not:

  • give effect to the issuance of any Issuer Shares to Yorktown IV, Yorktown VI or Yorktown XI following the occurrence of a Contingent Event, as provided for in the Transfer Agreement; or
  • include any shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options to purchase up to 75,000 Issuer Shares.

The acquisition of Issuer Shares by Weston Energy in connection with the Weston Share Purchase Transaction and the acquisition by the Yorktown Entities and Weston Entities of Issuer Shares in connection with the Amalgamation were undertaken in connection with the reverse takeover of the Issuer by BMR, which represented a going public transaction for BMR. The reverse takeover transaction was supported by each of the Yorktown Entities, the Weston Entities and BMR. Each of the Yorktown Entities and the Weston Entities may, from time to time, in the future increase or decrease its direct or indirect ownership, control or direction over the Issuer Shares or other securities of the Issuer through market transactions, private agreements, or otherwise, including by effecting dispositions of securities of the Issuer for cash or other consideration. As noted above, the Yorktown Entities may receive up to 30,000,000 additional Issuer Shares following the occurrence of a Contingent Event, as provided for in the Transfer Agreement. Following completion of the Amalgamation, the directors and officers of the Issuer resigned and were replaced by the following nominees of BMR: (i) Lazaros Nikeas – Chief Executive Officer and Director; (ii) Jack Cartmel – Chief Financial Officer; (iii) John Kiernan – Director; (iv) Stephen Dunmead – Director; (v) Peter Doyle – VP, Exploration; and (vi) Henry Sandri – Chief Commercial Officer.

The 30,000,000 Issuer Shares issued to the Yorktown Entities in connection with the Amalgamation, the 70,001,000 Issuer Shares issued to the Weston Entities in connection with the Amalgamation, and the 1,600,000 (post-consolidation) Issuer Shares acquired by Weston Energy in connection with the Weston Share Purchase Transaction are held in, and will be released from, escrow in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. If any Issuer Shares are issued to any of the Yorktown Entities following the occurrence of a Contingent Event, as provided for in the Transfer Agreement, those Issuer Shares will also be deposited into escrow in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

For purposes of the Weston Share Purchase Transaction (which involved the acquisition of an aggregate of 3,200,000 (pre-consolidation) Issuer Shares, at a purchase price of CDN$0.08 per share), Weston Energy relied upon the “private agreement” exemption set out in Section 4.2(1) of National Instrument 62-104 – Take-over Bids and Issuer Bids. The Weston Share Purchase Transaction was undertaken with two vendors (January Vandale and David De Witt); neither Weston Energy nor any other person acting jointly or in concert with Weston Energy made an offer to any other holders of Issuer Shares to acquire Issuer Shares from such holders. The CDN$0.08 per share purchase price at which Issuer Shares were acquired in connection with the Weston Share Purchase Transaction did not exceed 115% of the market price of the Issuer Shares as of the date the applicable agreements of purchase and sale were entered into (December 23, 2019).

The Yorktown Entities and Weston Entities intend to file a report under National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Takeover Bid and Insider Reporting Issues setting out additional information concerning the share acquisition transactions described in this News Release. For further information and to obtain a copy of such report, please contact Mr. Robert Signorino at Yorktown Partners LLC, 20th Floor 410 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022-4407 or by telephone at (212) 515-2100.

About the Yorktown Group

Each of the Yorktown Entities is a limited partnership formed under the laws of Delaware. Yorktown Partners manages the investment activities of various limited partnerships within the Yorktown group (a private equity investment group) and, in that capacity, may be viewed as having control and direction over securities owned (including deemed beneficial ownership) by each of the Yorktown Entities. Accordingly, Yorktown Partners may also be considered a joint actor in relation to the various share acquisition transactions described in this News Release.

The head office of Yorktown Partners and each of the Yorktown Entities is located at 20th Floor 410 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022-4407. The head office of each of Weston Energy and Weston II is located at Suite 730, 410 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022-4407.

Yorktown IV, Yorktown VI, Yorktown XI, Weston Energy, Weston II and BMR (which amalgamated with 1234525 in connection with the Amalgamation) may be considered joint actors in relation to the share acquisition transactions described in this News Release. Other entities within the Yorktown group (as noted below) may be considered joint actors with Yorktown IV, Yorktown VI, Yorktown XI, Weston Energy, Weston II and BMR, in relation to the to the share acquisition transactions described in this News Release.

Yorktown IV Associates LLC is the sole general partner of Yorktown IV. As a result, Yorktown IV Associates LLC may be deemed to have the power to vote or direct the voting, or to dispose or direct the disposition, of securities owned by Yorktown IV. Yorktown IV Associates LLC disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities owned by Yorktown IV in excess of its pecuniary interests therein. However, Yorktown IV Associates LLC is deemed to beneficially own securities owned by Yorktown IV under applicable securities laws in Canada.

Yorktown VI Company L.P. is the sole general partner of Yorktown VI. Yorktown VI Associates LLC is the sole general partner of Yorktown VI Company L.P. As a result, Yorktown VI Associates LLC may be deemed to have the power to vote or direct the voting, or to dispose or direct the disposition, of securities owned by Yorktown VI. Yorktown VI Company L.P. and Yorktown VI Associates LLC disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities owned by Yorktown VI in excess of their pecuniary interests therein. However, Yorktown VI Company L.P. and Yorktown VI Associates LLC are deemed to beneficially own securities owned by Yorktown VI under applicable securities laws in Canada.

Yorktown XI Company L.P. is the sole general partner of Yorktown XI. Yorktown XI Associates LLC is the sole general partner of Yorktown XI Company L.P. As a result, Yorktown XI Associates LLC may be deemed to have the power to vote or direct the voting, or to dispose or direct the disposition, of securities owned by Yorktown XI. Yorktown XI Company L.P. and Yorktown XI Associates LLC disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities owned by Yorktown XI in excess of their pecuniary interests therein. However, Yorktown XI Company L.P. and Yorktown XI Associates LLC are deemed to beneficially own securities owned by Yorktown XI under applicable securities laws in Canada.

Although the Yorktown Entities are, in relation to the various share acquisition transactions described in this News Release, considered joint actors under applicable securities laws in Canada, none of the Yorktown Entities is a beneficial owner of securities owned (either legally or beneficially) by either of the other Yorktown Entities.

About the Issuer (Battery Mineral Resources Corp., formerly Fusion Gold Ltd.)

As a result of the Amalgamation, the Issuer is now, indirectly (through the wholly-owned subsidiary that resulted from the amalgamation of BMR and 1234525), engaged in the business of exploring for various minerals (including cobalt) required to meet the anticipated growth in demand for the raw materials used in the lithium-ion battery and energy storage sector. The Issuer has indirect interests in cobalt, lithium and graphite projects in the United States and South Korea. The head office of the Issuer is located at Suite 1400, 400 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3A6.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or developments that the Yorktown Entities or the Weston Entities believe, expect, or anticipate will, may, could or might occur in the future are “forward-looking information”. Forward-looking information contained herein may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the occurrence of a Contingent Event (as contemplated by the Transfer Agreement), information concerning the holding and release from escrow of various Issuer Shares deposited into escrow in connection with the Amalgamation, information concerning the deposit into escrow of any Issuer Shares acquired by any of the Yorktown Entities following the occurrence of a Contingent Event, and information concerning future increases or decreases in the ownership, control or direction over Issuer Shares or other securities of the Issuer. Forward-looking information contained herein reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Yorktown Entities and Weston Entities and is based certain assumptions. Such forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual events or results to differ materially from any future events or results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Having regard to those risks, uncertainties and other factors readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained herein. The forward-looking information contained in this News Release is provided as of the date hereof and, except as may be required under applicable securities laws, the Yorktown Entities and the Weston Entities disclaim any intent or obligation to update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. None of the forward-looking information included in this News Release is (and should not be considered to be) a guarantee of any future outcome.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74522

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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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