Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

Fintech

Advance Notice Confirmed as of Record Date with Fancamp Exploration Ltd. for the Nomination of Six Director Nominees to Replace Entrenched Directors of Fancamp Exploration Ltd.

Published

on

Montreal, Quebec–(Newsfile Corp. – May 31, 2021) – Incumbent director of Fancamp Exploration Ltd. (“Fancamp” or the “Company“), Dr. Peter H. Smith, who, together with joint actors James Hunter and his affiliates, Mark Fekete and Heather Hannan, (the “Concerned Shareholders“) hold in aggregate, directly and indirectly an aggregate of 22,285,597 shares, representing approximately 13.42% of Fancamp’s, has filed a notice (the “Notice“) with the Corporate Secretary of Fancamp confirming the nomination of six highly-experienced independent directors to be elected to the board of the Company (the “Board“) at the annual general meeting of the Company to be held on June 29, 2021 (the “Meeting“). Assuming exercise of Dr. Smith’s 2,400,000 options, Dr. Smith, together with all joint actors would have ownership and control over an aggregate of 24,685,597 common shares of Fancamp representing approximately 14.66% of the then issued and outstanding common shares of the Company.

The Concerned Shareholders’ proposed slate of director nominees include Dr. Peter H. Smith, James Hunter, Louis Doyle, Mark Fekete, Greg Ferron and Mathieu Stephens (the “Nominee Slate“) each of whom is highly qualified and well-known in the business community. A copy of the Notice is available under Fancamp’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The following table contains information regarding the proposed Nominees,’ principal occupations for the past 5 years, and security holdings in Fancamp:

Name Current Principal Occupation or Employment and Principal Occupation or Employment within the Five Preceding Years Number of Fancamp Common Shares Owned or Controlled(1) Position with the Company, Proposed Office and Term
Peter Henderson
Smith
Dr. Smith was the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO“) of Fancamp from January 1986 until November 2012 when he retained Chairmanship. He was reappointed interim President & CEO by board decision in March 2014. He was re-elected to the positions of President & CEO at the annual general meeting in October 2014, which he held until August 2020. Dr. Smith served as Chairman of Fancamp from 1986 to December 2010 and from October 2012 to October 2019.
Dr. Smith has confirmed he will comply with the Company’s Corporate Policies and Guidelines.
Dr. Smith is not “independent” of the company within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees.
4,511,097(2)(3) Chairman from 1986 to December 2010 and from October 2012 to October 2019.
President and CEO from January 1986 to November 2012 and from October 2014 until August 2020.
Interim President and CEO from March 2014 to October 2014.
Dr. Smith has been a Director of Fancamp since January 1986. His current appointment as a Director will expire at the Meeting, and upon re-appointment at the Meeting he will serve for a term expiring at the next annual general meeting.
James
Hunter
Mr. Hunter is currently a Realtor with EXP Realty Ltd., a position held since January 2021. Mr. Hunter’s has been a Realtor for his principle occupation for the last 16 years. Mr. Hunter is also the president of Llewellyn Holdings Ltd., a private investment company. Mr. Hunter has been a licensed power engineer since 1982.
Mr. Hunter has confirmed he will comply with the Company’s Corporate Policies and Guidelines.
Mr. Hunter is “independent” of the company within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees.
16,832,000(4) Proposed Director
Upon appointment at the Meeting he will serve as a director for a term expiring at the next annual general meeting.
Louis Doyle Mr. Doyle is executive Director of Québec Bourse, a position he has held for the past five years.
Mr. Doyle was the Compliance officer of Terranueva Corporation (a Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”) listed company) from December 2018 to September 2020.
Mr. Doyle is currently a director of Abitibi Royalties Inc. (a TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) listed issuer). Mr. Doyle was previously a director of Terranueva Corporation from December 2018 to April 2021 and Mondias Natural Products Inc. now Lumiera Health Inc. (a TSXV listed issuer) from November 2018 to September 2020.
Mr. Doyle has confirmed he will comply with the Company’s Corporate Policies and Guidelines.
Mr. Doyle is “independent” of the company within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees.
50,000 Proposed Director
Upon appointment at the Meeting he will serve as a director for a term expiring at the next annual general meeting.
Mark Fekete Mr. Fekete is President and CEO of Breakaway Exploration Management Inc., a company that provides consulting services to the exploration industry.
Since April 2019, he has been the CEO and director of Auston Capital Corp. Previously he was CEO and a director of Hinterland Metals Corp. up to January 2019, and Vice President and a director of Taku Gold Corp. up to November 2017.
Mr. Fekete is “independent” of the company within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees.
500,000 Proposed Director
Upon appointment at the Meeting he will serve as a director for a term expiring at the next annual general meeting.
Greg Ferron Mr. Ferron was the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Treasury Metals Inc. from September 2018 until November 2020. Previously, from 2011 to 2019 he was the Vice President Corporate Development and Investor Relations at Laramide Resources Ltd. and Vice President Corporate Development of Treasury Metals from 2012 to 2018. Mr. Ferron has had senior roles at TMX Group Limited and Scotiabank. Currently Mr. Ferron is head of the audit committee and chairman of the finance committee at Platinex Inc. and provides capital market advisory services to private and publicly traded resource companies.
Mr. Ferron has confirmed he will comply with the Company’s Corporate Policies and Guidelines.
Mr. Ferron is “independent” of the company within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110.
1,175,000 Proposed Director
Upon appointment at the Meeting he will serve as a director for a term expiring at the next annual general meeting.
Mathieu Stephens Mr. Stephens serves as a consultant to Troilus Gold Corporation. Previously, Mr. Stephens served as the President and CEO of UrbanGold Minerals from February 2019 to May, 2021. From January 2016 to October 2018 Mr. Stephens served as Vice-President of Exploration for Beaufield Resources Inc.
Mr. Stephens has confirmed he will comply with the Company’s Corporate Policies and Guidelines.
Mr. Stephens is “independent” of the company within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110.
100,000 Proposed Director
At the Meeting the nominee will be elected to serve as a director for a term expiring at the next annual general meeting.

 

(1) Information as to the securities of Fancamp beneficially owned or controlled, or directed, directly or indirectly by the Smith Nominees, not being within the knowledge of Dr. Smith, has been furnished by such persons as of the date of this notice and reflects securities owned or controlled as at the date of this notice.

(2) Includes 4,311,097 common shares held by Dr. Smith directly (3,078,474 registered common shares and 1,232,623 common shares held beneficially) and 200,00 shares beneficially controlled by Dr. Smith on behalf of the Estate of Hazel Smith. Dr. Smith also holds stock options to acquire 2,400,000 common shares.

(3) As disclosed in his early warning report, Dr. Smith is acting jointly and in concert with James Hunter, Mark Fekete and Heather Hannan. As at the date of this notice, Dr. Smith, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Fekete and Ms. Hannan as joint actors, own or control an aggregate of 22,285,597 common shares

(4) Includes 12,785,000 common shares beneficially owned indirectly through Llewellyn Holdings Ltd., a company controlled by James Hunter, and 4,047,000 shares held directly.

As disclosed on May 17, 2021, Dr. Smith previously submitted notice of his nomination of the Nominee Slate, in accordance with an Advance Notice Policy which was attached as Schedule “A” to the Company’s management information circular, for the annual general meeting of shareholders of Fancamp held on October 25, 2013 (the “Policy“).

On May 18, 2021, Fancamp’s legal counsel requested responses to each of the questions below (the “Requests“). While Dr. Smith maintains the questions posed go far beyond the parameters of the scope of information permitted to be requested to be furnished by the Nominee Slate under the terms of any advance notice policy that would comply with current industry standards, without in any way conceding that such Requests are appropriate, each of the members of the Nominee Slate has confirmed their response to the Requests as follows:

REQUEST: “Please confirm that neither Peter H. Smith (“Mr. Smith”) nor any of his joint actors, nor any of his or their affiliates or representatives (collectively, the “Dissident Group”) will be reimbursed by (or seek reimbursement from) Fancamp for any costs or expenses incurred by the Dissident Group directly or indirectly in connection with its efforts to remove and replace directors of Fancamp;

RESPONSE: As disclosed in all news releases disseminated by the Concerned Shareholders since December 22, 2020, “subject to applicable law, the Concerned Shareholders may seek reimbursement from Fancamp of the Concerned Shareholders’ out-of-pocket expenses, including proxy solicitation expenses and legal fees, incurred in connection with a successful reconstitution of the Company’s board of directors.”

REQUEST: “Please confirm that, if elected by shareholders of Fancamp, no nominees of the Dissident Group will cease, or hinder the ability of Fancamp to complete, the forensic investigation on the activities of Mr. Smith;

REQUEST: “Please confirm that, if elected by shareholders of Fancamp, no nominees of the Dissident Group will take any action to end or interfere with the litigation brought by Fancamp against Mr. Smith;

REQUEST: “Please confirm that, if elected by shareholders of Fancamp, no nominees of the Dissident Group will take any action to dismiss or otherwise interfere with any regulatory investigation involving Mr. Smith.”

In response to each of the foregoing Requests, the Nominee Slate have collectively confirmed as follows:

  1. We understand our obligations, if elected, are to exercise our fiduciary duties in accordance with applicable law in our roles as directors, based on the information and advice available to us at the time any decision in our capacity as directors is required to be made.
  2. At the present time, while we are being asked to confirm our proposed actions once elected, we have only limited knowledge of any forensic investigation on the activities of Dr. Smith, any litigation brought by Fancamp against Dr. Smith or any regulatory investigation involving Dr. Smith (the “Allegations“).
  3. As at the date hereof, our only knowledge related to any Allegation is limited to what has been contained in news releases on the foregoing subjects and the Notice of Civil Claim, dated May 10, 2021, filed by Fancamp.
  4. We understand that all allegations made by Fancamp against Dr. Smith are, at this time unproven and all such investigations and actions, to the extent that they exist, are ongoing.
  5. We also have no information relating to the costs of pursuing these matters or the potential benefits and risks associated with them and/or whether the investigation should be expanded.
  6. Based on the foregoing, and on our understanding of our fiduciary duties, which must be exercised upon election after having had access to any and all information available to Fancamp’s board of directors at the time of our election, we respectfully decline to provide any confirmation of any proposed decision or course of action, as doing so may be an illegal fettering of our future discretion as directors of Fancamp.
  7. We confirm that our review of these matters will be conducted with integrity and will include a fulsome review of all final facts in determining any action to be taken.

It is shameful that the entrenched board and management are trying to create a situation where they will try to invalidate our Nominee Slate using their advance notice policy which is from 2013 and not considered compliant with industry standards in 2021. Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS“) has issued the following updates annually with respect to the advanced notice bylaw provisions and it is clearly stated that the following would be considered problematic under ISS’ evaluation (the list is not exhaustive):

  • A requirement that any proposed nominee deliver a written agreement wherein the proposed nominee acknowledges and agrees, in advance, to comply with all policies and guidelines of the company that are applicable to directors;
  • Any disclosure request within the advance notice requirement, or the company’s ability to request additional disclosure of the nominating shareholder(s) or the shareholder nominee(s) that exceeds what is required in a dissident proxy circular or, goes beyond what is required under law or regulation;

Clearly the requests above are not ISS compliant. These requests are clearly an attempt to use the advance notice policy as a sword in the hands of the entrenched board and management to exclude nominations given on ample notice and not a shield to protect shareholders and management from ambush, which the courts have held is not permissible.

Furthermore, as stated in our May 14, 2021 press release, Dr. Smith has proposed a number of protocols to ensure that the Meeting takes place in an orderly fashion and with integrity and that the shareholders are not disenfranchised either before or at the Meeting. These proposals include a request for an independent chair, a procedure for disputed ballots, and procedure for court or regulatory challenges following the Meeting to allow for any issues arising to be resolved prior to the closing of the arrangement with ScoZinc Mining Ltd. (the “Arrangement“), which the Nominee Slate has indicated that it does not intend to complete, if elected. These requests are consistent with good corporate governance expectations and will allow shareholders to choose the board they want and to allow their views on the Arrangement to be heard prior to any closing of the Arrangement. However, as you may have seen in the Company’s press release dated May 26, 2021, they have denied all of our requests and state that our requests are needless and completely off market. They state that the AGM and the process leading up to it will be conducted with integrity – this is coming from an entrenched board and management team that wanted to close a highly dilutive transaction with ScoZinc Mining Ltd., without getting shareholder approval. If they are willing to do that on a large scale, why would we think that they will hold the AGM in a fair manner?

Moreover, Fancamp has said that it refuses to “engage further in a debate on these issues”. Fancamp seeks to have the Nominee Slate agree not to pursue reimbursement for any of its costs, which is legally permissible. These positions are simply unsupportable given that Fancamp has retained FOUR different law firms, a proxy solicitor and a forensic accountant at undisclosed but undoubtedly exorbitant costs to support the current Board. Fancamp also says that the Smith Nominees should not be entitled to a reimbursement for a proxy fight Dr. Smith “started”. The Company appears to suggest that no shareholder should ever exercise their rights to put forward a dissident slate and instead allow an entrenched board who is concerned with its own interests rather than those of the Company and its shareholders to continue unchallenged.

Lastly, we find it amazing to see the lengths the entrenched board and management of Fancamp are willing to go. In their press release dated May 26, 2021, they go as far as to say that Dr. Smith has not preserved documents and is obstructing the Company’s efforts to obtain information from Dr. Smith. The truth is the Company currently has access to all information that it is seeking from other sources and that the Company has made requests that are intended solely for the purpose of a fishing expedition for the proxy fight. However, on Monday May 3, 2021 in response to a request from the Company delivered on Friday April 30, 2021 to produce 35 years worth of material within 3 days, Dr. Smith still offered to make available to the Company, banker’s boxes, which represented copies of materials that are otherwise available to the Company. Dr. Smith offered that a courier could be sent to Dr. Smith’s home to pick-up these materials. Dr. Smith also noted that he requested a third party to assemble the relevant electronic materials and would provide in due course, with the most recent data being provided first. Dr. Smith also invited the Company to advise if it had specific discreet information, it required immediately or specific information that it would like prioritized and Dr. Smith would attempt to provide or direct the Company to that information. However, Dr. Smith received no response until he received a letter on Mother’s Day. Dr. Smith received a letter by email requesting to pick up the bankers boxes within 48 hours. Dr. Smith subsequently received another letter by email on Sunday May 9, 2021 at 9:03 p.m. (PST). This letter did not ask for the return of documents but rather asked that Dr. Smith preserve all documentation. This request required confirmation by 4:00 p.m., the following day, Monday May 10, 2021, that Dr. Smith would preserve all documents. The following day, Monday, May 10, 2021, the Company commenced litigation against Dr. Smith alleging a number of items, one of which is that Dr. Smith obstructed the Company’s efforts to obtain information from him. The Notice of Civil Claim was sent by email to Dr. Smith at 4:06 p.m. on May 10, 2021!

On May 26, 2021, the Company issued a news release which contain numerous misrepresentations, including with respect to the return of documents. In that news release, the Company states that it would file an application for a Safeguard Order with the Quebec Superior Court to obtain information from Dr. Smith. As noted above, Dr. Smith offered to return the banker’s boxes and provide electronic documents once obtained from the third party. Rather than simply accepting that offer, the Company chose to sue Dr. Smith. While Dr. Smith’s original intention had been to turn the documents over to the Company, as a result of the litigation, Dr. Smith is now obligated to review and list the documentation and produce it in accordance with the rules of court. There is no obligation to confirm that Dr. Smith intends to preserve documentation as that is an obligation on any party to litigation, however, Dr. Smith confirmed that Dr. Smith intends to preserve such documentation and make production in accordance with the rules of court. Dr. Smith has not yet been served with any materials relating to the Quebec Superior Court application referred to in the news release, but it is evident that this application is simply another example of the Company taking steps to exert pressure and intimidation for the sole purpose of winning the proxy fight.

The Company refers in its May 26, 2021 news release to Dr. Smith having the help of “his friends”. There is no basis to support the assertion, Mattieu Stephens, for example, has not even met Dr. Smith until he was put forward as a nominee. The news release further states: “With no one to watch him, hold him accountable or put in place the appropriate checks and balances, Mr. Smith will have free reign to do as he pleases”. If the allegations made against Dr. Smith were true, this is precisely what the current Board has been doing for the past 8 years? The five independent nominees have not shown any similar failings as the current Board.

As noted above and as will be discussed more fully in the Concerned Shareholders’ circular to be issued, we want to reiterate that it is the intention of the Nominee Slate, if elected, to not complete the Arrangement. As such, a vote in favour of the Nominee Slate should be considered a vote cast against the Arrangement, which is a highly dilutive non-arm’s length transaction. Instead, the Nominee Slate intends to focus on the diversified strong portfolio of assets that the Company has and continue with further exploration activities.

The Concerned Shareholders intend to solicit proxies in connection with the Meeting and have retained Gryphon Advisors Inc. (“Gryphon“) as their strategic shareholder communications and proxy advisor. Gryphon’s responsibility will include providing strategic advice and advising the Concerned Shareholders with respect to the Meeting and proxy protocol. Gryphon’s responsibilities also include soliciting shareholders on behalf of Concerned Shareholders.

For more information regarding the Concerned Shareholders’ position please contact:
Gryphon Advisors Inc.
Tel: 1-833-461-3651
Email: [email protected]

Information in Support of Public Broadcast Solicitation

The Concerned Shareholders include the following:

  • Dr. Peter Henderson Smith of Westmount, Quebec who holds direct and indirect beneficial ownership and control over an aggregate of 4,511,097 common shares of Fancamp;
  • James R. Hunter of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who holds direct and indirect (through Llewellyn Holdings, of Regina Saskatchewan, a company controlled by Mr. Hunter) beneficial ownership and control over an aggregate of 16,832,000 common shares of Fancamp;
  • Mark Fekete of Montreal, Quebec, who holds direct beneficial ownership and control over an aggregate of 500,000 common shares of Fancamp; and
  • Heather Hannan, of Westmount Quebec who holds direct beneficial ownership and control over an aggregate of 442,500 common shares of Fancamp.

The Concerned Shareholders intend to solicit proxies in connection with the Meeting and have have retained Gryphon Advisors Inc. (“Gryphon“) as their strategic shareholder communications and proxy advisor. Gryphon’s responsibility will include providing strategic advice and advising the Concerned Shareholders with respect to the Meeting and proxy protocol. Gryphon’s responsibilities also include soliciting shareholders on behalf of Concerned Shareholders. In connection with these services Gryphon are expected to receive a fee of up to CAD $150,000. Proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone by the Concerned Shareholders. The Concerned Shareholders estimate the aggregate cost of the proxy solicitation will be approximately CAD $170,000, excluding legal fees.

The cost incurred by the Concerned Shareholders in connection with such solicitation will be borne directly by the Concerned Shareholders, provided that, subject to applicable law, the Concerned Shareholders may seek reimbursement from Fancamp of the Concerned Shareholders’ out-of-pocket expenses, including proxy solicitation expenses and legal fees, incurred in connection with a successful reconstitution of the Company’s board of directors. If any solicitations are made by the Concerned Shareholders, they will only be made by or on behalf of the Concerned Shareholders, who will receive no additional compensation for such solicitation.

Any solicitation made by the Concerned Shareholders in advance of the Meeting, is or will be, as applicable, made by the Concerned Shareholders and not by or on behalf of the management of Fancamp. All costs incurred for any solicitation will be borne by the Concerned Shareholders,

The Concerned Shareholders may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist in soliciting proxies on behalf of the Concerned Shareholders. Any proxies solicited by or on behalf of the Concerned Shareholders, including by any other agent retained by the Concerned Shareholders, may be solicited pursuant to a dissident information circular or by way of public broadcast, including through press releases, speeches or publications and by any other manner permitted under Canadian corporate and securities laws. Any such proxies may be revoked by instrument in writing executed by a shareholder or by his or her attorney authorized in writing or, if the shareholder is a body corporate, by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized or by any other manner permitted by law.

The registered address of Fancamp is located at 7290 Gray Avenue, Burnaby, British Columbia V5J 3Z2. A copy of this press release may be obtained on Fancamp’ SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/85858

Fintech

Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry

Published

on

copper-state-credit-union-takes-one-platform-approach-with-jack-henry

 

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.

Continue Reading

Fintech

Moomoo Wins “Best Stock Trading App” Award in 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program

Published

on

moomoo-wins-“best-stock-trading-app”-award-in-2024-fintech-breakthrough-awards-program

 

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.

Continue Reading

Fintech

Insights from Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Speakers (pre-event)

Published

on

insights-from-prague-gaming-&-tech-summit-2024-speakers-(pre-event)

 

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.

Continue Reading

Trending