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Railtown Capital Corp. to Combine with Sparx Technology Inc., an Industry Leader in Interactive Media Technology

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Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – March 11, 2021) – Railtown Capital Corp. (TSXV: RLT.P) (“Railtown” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent dated February 19, 2021 (the “LOI) with Sparx Technology Inc. (“Sparx“), an arm’s length private company incorporated under the laws of Canada, to effect a transaction that will result in a reverse takeover of Railtown by Sparx (the “Transaction“). Trading in the common shares of the Company (the “Common Shares“) has been halted in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV“) and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation has been filed with and accepted by the TSXV.

The Transaction is not a Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction under TSXV Policy 5.4. Accordingly, Railtown will not be required to obtain shareholder approval of the Transaction.

About Sparx Technology Inc.

Sparx was incorporated in May of 2016 and acquired all the operations of iPowow Inc., a Canadian Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries iPowow USA Inc., a Delaware Corporation and iPowow Development Pty Ltd., an Australian Corporation. The original business of Ipowow was established in Australia in 2009 where the first voting and polling products were developed. Since inception, Sparx and its predecessor companies have invested over $20 million building the patented Sparx platform and developing its many product offerings, which allow millions of users to connect and interact simultaneously during any video stream, on any device, anywhere in the world, in real time.

Sparx has conceived and developed hundreds of interactive TV and video experiences including: live predictive gaming for sports, mobile trivia, virtual events and Video on Demand (VoD) gamification. All are designed to engage viewers longer, drive ratings and generate new revenue streams. Global media companies including Disney/ABC, CNN, Sony Pictures Television, MTV, NBC, Twitch and others have used the platform in a variety or programming genres and seen the benefits.

Sparx also offers tools to allow consumer engagement and predictive gaming for live TV sports. Notable broadcast clients include, NBC Sports, ESPN, Fox and NESN Sports. The Sparx platform integrates seamlessly into professional and college sport apps to gamify both the at-home and in-venue experience while generating new revenue streams for the leagues, teams and advertisers. Recent integrations include the Orlando Magic’s “Magicvision”, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ “Cavs Pick ‘Em”, the Vancouver Canucks’ “Predict the Play”, Fresno State’s “The Doghouse” and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ “Jags at Home”, and the ESPN Megacast during the College Football National Championship Game.

Sports betting is a massive and rapidly expanding global market. Advances in technology, proliferation of the smartphone and wider access to online gambling markets has led to increasing popularity of live sports ‘in-play’ betting across Europe, with the US and Canadian markets not far behind. Sparx is well-positioned to play a key role in facilitating and capitalizing on this lucrative industry vertical.

The current global pandemic has forced much of the world to adapt to virtual content and events. Sparx is at the forefront of this shift in behaviour with a technology that gamifies and enhances any virtual consumer experience. Currently, Sparx is expanding into new verticals focussed on EdTech, corporate conferences and training, company AGMs and meetings, virtual charity events, live streamed concerts and other performances.

Sparx is built to scale and well positioned for global expansion through a soon to be launched self-serve SaaS platform, offering any content originator the opportunity to give end users a network quality interactive consumer experience. The Sparx platform offers a leading engagement tool that provides real time integration of social media content, voting and polling, watch parties, contesting and e-commerce transactions, as well as viewer sentiment and first party data collection.

During Sparx fiscal ended June 30, 2020 the company generated revenue of approximately $750,000 Canadian dollars and incurred approximately $1.7 million CAD of operating expenses. This represented an approximate 40% decline in revenue from the previous fiscal year, largely due to the impact of COVID on the professional sports world. The Company has been able to retain all employees and used this time to push forward on its development of new verticals and its SaaS product. Although COVID remains a factor, revenues for the current fiscal year are expected to increase as professional sports return and new markets open up.

Virtually all of the Company’s development capital has been provided by the shareholders of Sparx through equity and secured loans. These loans (currently $9.7 million plus accrued interest) will be converted into commons shares of Sparx and all interest will be forgiven as a condition of closing the Transaction. This equity conversion is included in the total consideration to be received by the Sparx shareholders, as described in more detail under the heading “Transaction” below. Sparx’ assets consist largely of the patents and other intellectual property assiociated with the Sparx platform and a small amount of working capital. Upon completion of the Transaction, the Financing and the conversion of the indebtedness referred to above, it is anticipated that the Company will have in excess of $3.0 million in net working capital, the bulk of which will be used to greatly expand sales and marketing efforts.

“This is a very exciting new chapter for Sparx.” Said Al Thorgeirson, Chief Executive Officer of Sparx. “We’ve spent the past number of years bolstering our technology, growing our client list and establishing our reputation as a global leader of innovative consumer engagement technologies. As a public company, we’ll have access to the capital and network of strategic partners necessary to address our expanding pipeline and scale the platform globally.”

Resulting Issuer Board of Directors and Management

Upon completion of the Transaction, the Board and senior management of the Company will be comprised of individuals with decades of experience in media and finance, drawn largely from the current Sparx team.

The Presdient and CEO of Sparx is Alan Thorgeirson. Al is a seasoned broadcast veteran and builder with nearly 40 years experience in television, radio and digital broadcasting. He has worked on the launch of 6 over-the-air television stations, 3 specialty channels, and FM radio stations in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto. Al also helped develop and launch a voice writing division for Canada’s largest closed captioning company. He has operated at the COO, Regional VP and Managing Director levels for Craig Media, CHUM Limited, Rogers Broadcasting and the CBC.

Since taking on the CEO role in May of 2019, Al’s efforts have centred around restructuring, rebranding, and remodeling the company’s current platform offerings along with exploring new business verticals to create new revenue opportunities.

The initial three independent Board members will be Drew Craig, Brian Brady and Richard Hubbard.

Drew Craig has been involved in the media and telecommunications industry for over 35 years. He started his career at Craig Media Inc. a third generation television and media business. He held several operational and executive roles at the company, ultimately serving as President and CEO. During his tenure at Craig Media the company grew from a single TV station to Canada’s largest privately held TV broadcast group. During that time Craig Media successfully launched three national specialty channels MTV, MTV2 and TV Land in partnership with Viacom. Craig Media was sold in December 2005 for $265M

Since the sale of Craig Media, Drew Craig has been an active investor, executive and board member of several media and telecom enterprises. Mr. Craig was a principal investor, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Craig Wireless Systems, a company operating and deploying wireless broadband networks in Canada, the USA, Europe and New Zealand. He also served as Co-Chairman of Peace Arch Entertainment Group Inc. and as a Director of Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation.

Drew Craig is currently a founder, principal investor and Executive Chairman of adtrackmedia. The company is a global digital-out-of-home enterprise operating proprietary, in-tunnel, display systems in major city subway tunnels on four continents.

Brian Brady is the Sole Member of Red Oak Holdings, LLC, an asset management and holding company. Brian recently stepped down as President and CEO of Northwest Broadcasting after he sold the company to Apollo Global Management. Collectively, Northwest Broadcasting owned and operated 20 television stations in 11 markets in the United States, and was ultimately merged with the radio and television broadcast assets of Cox Media. Mr. Brady remains on the Board of Cox Media Group.

Currently, Mr. Brady serves on the board of Syncbak, a privately held technology company that provides geo-filtering and authentication for over-the-top (OTT) television viewing; IZEA Worldwide Inc., a publicly held company providing influencer marketing and custom content services; and Duration Media, LLC, a proprietary digital ad impression technology company. He is also one of three senior advisors for Manhattan West Asset Management, an independent wealth management and high net worth financial advisory firm. Mr. Brady’s former board activities include acting as Chairman of the FOX Affiliate Board, a representative body of independent stations affiliated with the Fox Television Network; the National Association of Broadcasting; and Saga Communication, a publicly traded radio and television company.

Richard Hubbard has more than thirty five years of relevant management, corporate finance and investment banking experience. As a venture capitalist Mr. Hubbard has worked closely with the leverage buy-out group of Citibank and other venture capital firms. He has originated leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, seed stage, venture capital stage and private equity investments, including the acquisition, re-structuring and successful sale of a traditional French luxury goods and fashion brand. Mr. Hubbard has also been an early stage investor in a variety of companies in various industry sectors including Gencell Biosystems, an Irish biotech firm that he co-founded in 2011 and was subsequently sold to a giant healthcare company. He has been a director of a number of small to mid-sized companies in Europe, Africa and North America and Asia

For further information on Sparx, go to www.Sparxtechnology.com.

The Transaction

It is intended that the Transaction will constitute the “Qualifying Transaction” of Railtown, as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV. Upon completion of the Transaction, the shareholders of Sparx will become shareholders of Railtown, a publicly traded company listed on the TSXV. The resulting company after completion of the Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer“) will carry on the current business of Sparx and intends to be listed on the TSXV as a Tier 2 technology issuer.

The Transaction is proposed to be effected by way of a “three-cornered” amalgamation under which securityholders of Sparx will exchange their securities of Sparx for securities of Railtown. Prior to effecting the share exchange, Railtown will consolidate its Common Shares on a 2:1 basis (the “Consolidation“). Shareholders of Sparx will be issued an aggregate of up to 32,500,000 post-Consolidation Common Shares at a deemed price of $0.40 per share following the conversion of all shareholder loans into equity. On completion of the Transaction, Sparx will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Resulting Issuer. On closing (the “Closing“) of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer’s name will be changed to “Sparx Technology Inc.” or another name acceptable to Sparx.

Closing of the Transaction is subject to, among other things, completion of due diligence, the entry into a definitive agreement, customary conditions set forth in such agreement, approval of the shareholders of Sparx, acceptance for filing of the TSXV and completion of a Financing (defined below). Subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals, Closing is expected to occur by May 31, 2021.

A finder’s fee of up to 412,500 post-Consolidation Common Shares is payable on Closing of the Transaction.

Sponsorship

Railtown will be seeking an exemption from the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV pursuant to the provisions of section 3.4(a)(ii) of TSXV Policy 2.2.

Proposed Financing

In connection with the Transaction, Sparx will complete a private placement financing (the “Financing”) of up to 7,500,000 subscription receipts (“Subscription Receipts“) at a price of $0.40 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000. Each Subscription Receipt will be exchangeable for one post-Consolidation Common Share of the Resulting Issuer on Closing of the Transaction. Further details regarding the Financing will be included in a subsequent news release once additional details become available.

Sparx has also recently completed a US$250,000 convertible debenture financing, the principal amount of which will ultimately be convertible into one post-Consolidation Common Share of the Resulting Issuer for each CAD$0.40 of principal converted.

Pro Forma Share Capital

Assuming the sale of all 7,500,000 Subscription Receipts, it is anticipated that, on Closing of the Transaction, there will be 47,712,500 post-Consolidation Common Shares issued and outstanding (49,137,500 post-Consolidation Common Shares on a fully diluted basis, assuming the exercise of all outstanding options, warrants and Agent’s Warrants, but excluding the Over-Allotment Option). The following persons are the current controlling shareholders of Sparx and are expected to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, more than 10% of the issued and outstanding post-Consolidation Common Shares:

Name     
Number of Shares      Percentage
     
J.D. Craig Holdings Ltd.
8,790,070 17.86%
     
Cedar Creek Broadcasting LLC.
8,790,070 17.86%
     
SMF Investments Ltd.
8,034,919 16.33%

 

J.D. Craig Holdings Ltd. is a private company that is controlled by Drew Craig. Cedar Creek Broadcasting LLC is a private company that is controlled by Brian Brady. SMF is an independent technology investment fund based in Europe. Mr. Hubbard does not control the fund but is representing SMF for the Sparx investment.

It is anticipated that a portion of the issued and outstanding post-Consolidation Common Shares of the Resulting Issuer will be subject to the escrow and resale restrictions pursuant to the policies of the TSXV.

About Railtown

Railtown is publicly listed on the TSXV under the symbol RLT.P. Railtown was formed as a Capital Pool Company in accordance with policies of the TSXV in order to identify and evaluate businesses and assets for acquisition and financing.

The address of the Company’s registered and records office is 2200 – 885 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3E8.

For further information, please contact:

Cameron White, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 604-765-2601
Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the terms and conditions of the proposed Transaction; the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans; Sparx’s objectives, goals or future plans; completion of the Financing; the receipt of the requisite approvals with respect to the Transaction and the business and operations of the Company following the completion of the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause 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 and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; those additional risks set out in Railtown’s public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although Railtown believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, Railtown and Sparx disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Non-IFRS Measures

This news release contains references to certain measures that do not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS“) as prescribed by the International Accounting Standards Board and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing a further understanding of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of financial information reported under IFRS.

Reader Advisory

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to TSXV acceptance and approval by the shareholders of Sparx. The Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

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

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

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

Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76946

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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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