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Column Capital Corp. Announces Proposed Qualifying Transaction to Become a New Physical Vanadium Holding Company

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Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – February 2, 2022) – Column Capital Corp. (TSXV: CPC.P) (“CPC“), a capital pool company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated February 1, 2022 (“Letter of Intent“) with Largo Physical Vanadium Corp. (“LPV“). The Letter of Intent outlines the general terms and conditions pursuant to which CPC and LPV expect to effect a business combination that will result in CPC acquiring all of the issued and outstanding securities of LPV in exchange for securities of CPC and will result in a reverse-takeover of CPC by LPV (the “Proposed Transaction“). The Proposed Transaction will constitute the “Qualifying Transaction” of CPC under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“), as such term is defined in Exchange Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies (“Exchange Policy 2.4“).

All amounts referred to herein are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Terms of the Proposed Transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent, CPC and LPV will negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement and other transaction documentation, incorporating the principal terms of the Letter of Intent. Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, CPC will have acquired 100% ownership of LPV and the business of LPV will become the business of the entity resulting from the Proposed Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer“). The final structure for the Proposed Transaction is subject to satisfactory tax, corporate and securities law advice on the part of both CPC and LPV. There is no assurance that a definitive agreement will be successfully negotiated or entered into.

The Proposed Transaction is not a “Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction” within the meaning of Exchange Policy 2.4 and, as such, shareholder approval is not required (unless otherwise mandated by the Exchange).

Prior to entering into a definitive agreement in respect of the Proposed Transaction, LPV will complete a private placement for up to USD$500,000 (the “LPV Private Placement“). The proceeds from the LPV Private Placement will be used for LPV expenses incurred to date and for general working capital purposes.

If CPC and LPV enter into a definitive agreement in respect of the Proposed Transaction. CPC will issue a comprehensive press release at that time in accordance with the policies of the Exchange containing details of the definitive agreement and additional terms of the Proposed Transaction, including the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Proposed Transaction.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, the completion of the Concurrent Financing (defined below), completion of the Largo Contribution In-Kind (defined below), receipt of applicable regulatory and stock exchange approvals, including the approval of the Exchange for the Proposed Transaction, completion of satisfactory due diligence and the execution of the definitive agreement and related transaction documents.

Strategy of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will be a new investor friendly vehicle with a mandate to invest in physical vanadium or commercial vanadium products. The Resulting Issuer would provide a secure, convenient and exchange traded alternative for investors interested in direct investment exposure to physical vanadium and its use in ESG-friendly energy transition and storage alternatives, including vanadium redox flow batteries (“VRFBs“) and green steel applications. Physical inventory purchased by the Resulting Issuer will be unencumbered, other than by rights under the Safekeeping Agreement (defined below), and fully allocated to investors. Growth in new economy use cases, greener steel, supplemental use in lithium-ion batteries, smart glass and other traditional uses is expected to increase vanadium requirements and usage.

Over time it is anticipated that a large portion of the Resulting Issuer’s inventory will be utilized in long duration VRFBs. Vanadium in electrolyte solution, which is utilized in rechargeable VRFBs, is not subject to degradation, is 100% reusable and can easily be converted back to powder/flake for regular warehouse storage upon termination and/or completion of a VRFB installation contract. Vanadium utilized in VRFBs always remains under oversight and management of Largo (as defined below), in its capacity as safekeeper (the “Safekeeper“) under the Safekeeping Agreement (defined below), and associated conversion costs between electrolyte and powder/flake requirements are also borne by the Safekeeper.

The expected use of vanadium in VRFBs will be aligned with ESG principles, and is expected to enhance VRFBs’ market competitiveness regardless of the underlying vanadium price. More specifically, vanadium utilized in a VRFB installation will remain under full ownership of the Resulting Issuer and not be part of the upfront installation capital borne by the VRFB end user, a strategic advantage in the development and price competitiveness of the VRFB market relative to other long duration storage alternatives. As such, it is anticipated that VRFBs will be one driver of vanadium price and will assist with the global clean energy transition through increased renewable energy integration.

Further to the above, Paul Misk, President and CEO of Largo Inc. (“Largo“) has this to say about the potential for the VRFB market: “Demand for long duration energy storage is fast-growing as governments and large organization push for net zero goals. According to the Long Duration Energy Council, long duration energy storage will have to be scaled up to ~400x present day levels to 85-140 TWh by 2040 and 10% of all electricity generated would need to be stored in long duration energy at some point.[1] VRFBs have emerged as a preferred long duration renewable energy storage system for safe and continuous energy storage over a 20+ year life cycle with zero degradation. Driven by investor interest in direct investment exposure to physical vanadium, the Resulting Issuer is expected to provide an opportunity to drive demand for long duration VRFB systems and offer a low-cost solution to potential VRFB customers through the continuation of a vanadium electrolyte rental model, minimizing CAPEX requirements.”

Through various operating agreements to be entered into concurrently with the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will be aligned with Largo, a leader in vanadium production, which is one of the world’s largest primary vanadium producers and is undergoing a strategic transformation to vertically integrate its world-class vanadium products with its VCHARGE vanadium battery technology to support the planet’s on-going transition to renewable energy and a low carbon future. Sprott Capital Partners LP (“SCP“) has entered into an advisory agreement with Largo in respect of the creation of LPV. SCP will be appointed lead agent for the Concurrent Financing (defined below) on terms and conditions customary for a transaction of this nature and it is anticipated that SCP will enter into an advisory agreement with the Resulting Issuer for marketing, capital markets and board advisory matters related to the purchase of vanadium products.

In addition, Largo will provide for the management and safekeeping of the physical vanadium owned by the Resulting Issuer as part of a safekeeping agreement to be entered into between Largo and the Resulting Issuer (the “Safekeeping Agreement“).

Name Change

In connection with the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer intends to change its name to “Largo Physical Vanadium Corp.” or such other similar name as is determined by LPV and acceptable to applicable regulators, and will also apply to change its stock symbol.

Concurrent Financing

As a condition to the closing of the Proposed Transaction, CPC or LPV will complete a fully marketed private placement (“Concurrent Financing“) to raise minimum gross proceeds of $5 million and up to $25 million. Terms of the Concurrent Financing will be determined in the context of the market.

SCP will be appointed lead agent for the Concurrent Financing, on customary terms and conditions for a transaction of this nature. Additional details of the Concurrent Financing will be outlined in a future press release of CPC.

The proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be used to fund the business of the Resulting Issuer, including general and administrative expenses for the Resulting Issuer, for certain transaction expenses incurred by LPV and for general working capital purposes.

Largo Contribution In-Kind

As a condition to closing of the Proposed Transaction, Largo will exchange vanadium equivalent products to the Resulting Issuer in exchange for common shares of the Resulting Issuer, on terms and conditions generally similar to the Concurrent Financing (the “Largo Contribution In-Kind“). The size of the Largo Contribution In-Kind and applicable discounts on the vanadium equivalent product price will be based on the availability of material and take other market related factors into consideration at the time.

In addition, the Resulting Issuer will enter into an agreement with Largo for a right of first refusal over any non-committed commercial vanadium equivalent products from January to October of any fiscal year from Largo, in its capacity as a technical advisor.

Trading Halt

Trading of CPC’s shares has been halted at CPC’s request and will remain halted pending the Exchange’s receipt of satisfactory documentation and completion of the Proposed Transaction.

Sponsorship of the Proposed Transaction

Sponsorship of a “Qualifying Transaction” of a capital pool company is required by the Exchange unless exempt in accordance with Exchange policies. CPC is currently reviewing the Exchange’s requirements for sponsorship and intends to seek a waiver of the sponsorship requirements. However, there is no assurance that a waiver from this requirement can or will be obtained.

About Column Capital Corp.

CPC was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) in November of 2020. CPC is listed as a capital pool company on the Exchange and its common shares are listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol CPC.P. CPC’s business objective is to identify and evaluate assets or businesses with a view to a potential acquisition by completing a Qualifying Transaction (like the Proposed Transaction). Its head office is in Vancouver, British Columbia.

CPC’s share capital consists of 3,450,000 common shares of which 2,100,000 common shares are held in escrow and will be released over a period of up to 18 months following completion of the Proposed Transaction, and CPC has 225,000 stock options exercisable for common shares at a price $0.15 each expiring June 15, 2026, and 100,000 warrants exercisable for common shares at a price $0.15 each and expiring on June 15, 2023.

About Largo Physical Vanadium Corp.

Largo Physical Vanadium Corp. is a corporation formed under the laws of the Province of British Columbia.

LPV was formed by Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) as a means to invest and hold substantially all of its assets in physical vanadium (as contained in commercial vanadium products, as measured in vanadium unit equivalent). LPV aims to provide a secure, convenient and exchange-traded investment alternative for investors interested in direct investment exposure to physical vanadium and not speculate with regard to short-term changes in vanadium prices.

Cautionary Statements

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

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

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

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

All information contained in this press release with respect to CPC and LPV was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act“) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Forward-Looking Information

Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events, or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. CPC and LPV caution that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the control of CPC and LPV. Such forward-looking information may include statements regarding the completion and terms of the Proposed Transaction, the LPV Private Placement and the use of proceeds of the LPV Private Placement, the composition of the board of directors and management team of the Resulting Issuer following closing of the Proposed Transaction, the strategy of the Resulting Issuer, the vanadium and VRFB markets, the intention of the Resulting Issuer to undertake certain corporate changes (including without limitation a change of name), the Concurrent Financing and the use of the proceeds of the Concurrent Financing, the Largo Contribution-in-Kind, sponsorship of the Proposed Transaction and the resumption of trading of the common shares of CPC. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including risks relating to: the ability to satisfy the conditions to completion of the Proposed Transaction, the LPV Private Placement and the Concurrent Financing, CPC and LPV generally, the vanadium and VRFB markets, and general economic and market conditions, including risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 and its impact on general economic and market conditions. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. CPC and LPV assume no obligation to update forward-looking information in this press release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, unless and until required by applicable securities laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in CPC’s filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

For further information please contact:

Column Capital Corp.
Brian Bayley
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary, and a Director
(604) 488-5427
[email protected]

Largo Inc.
Alex Guthrie
Senior Manager, External Relations
(416) 861-9778
[email protected]


1 Net-zero power: Long duration energy storage for a renewable grid | LDES Council, McKinsey & Company, 2021

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/112544

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Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry

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Jack Henry™ (Nasdaq: JHKY) announced today that Copper State Credit Union will leverage the company’s single technology platform to boost internal efficiencies and improve experiences.

Copper State Credit Union formed in 2020 from the merger of Canyon State Credit Union and Deer Valley Credit Union. Following the merger, the credit union managed multiple products across several different technology providers. This prompted the team to reevaluate their strategy and select Jack Henry as their enterprise technology provider. Jack Henry’s open infrastructure will automate and streamline operations, as well as integrate and optimize offerings.

“Jack Henry’s single platform approach allows us to consolidate our existing relationships into one organization with the option to tap into a vast ecosystem of fintech services,” said Robb Scott, President/CEO of Copper State Credit Union. “This enables us to continue to be innovative in our markets while remaining committed to delivering an exceptional member experience.”

Copper State Credit Union understands the importance of providing a convenient and simple digital experience for members. Their new digital banking platform will give members a complete view of all their finances in a single place. Part of this experience will include the ability to open new accounts and debit cards, manage credit scores, and receive instant payments. And, modern fraud and financial crimes prevention and detection solutions will protect members’ data and monitor transactional behavior.

“Our all-in strategy with Jack Henry ensures our members receive the connected services and resources they need to achieve financial prosperity and empowerment,” Scott continued. “The relationship frees up our internal resources to focus on finding ways to improve the financial lives of member-families within our community.”

Shanon McLachlan, president of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry, commented, “The beauty of our technology is the optionality and flexibility. Credit unions can choose to be in all-in with us like Copper State Credit Union or start by investing in their technology future one step at a time. Regardless, we continue to provide the support and services they need to help their members succeed.”

The post Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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

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Moomoo Technologies Inc. today announced that FinTech Breakthrough recognized the company with its 2024 annual award of “Best Stock Trading App.”  Founded in 2018, moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. With its sister brand, moomoo has over 21 million users globally and it provides users with the necessary information and technology to make more informed investment decisions.

As the FinTech sector becomes more crowded and companies struggle to stand out from the crowd with their products and services, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards help recognize and showcase FinTech innovators based on creativity, hard work, and technologies centered around their products, solutions, and services. Its committee selected winners based on their innovative performance, their impact on solving user needs and problems, and whether their ease of use management can scale at growth.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the best stock trading app by FinTech Breakthrough as it supports our mission to provide all levels of investors with an intuitive and robust platform,” said Justin Zacks, Vice President of Strategies, Moomoo Technologies Inc.  “Backed by independent research, advanced technological development capabilities, and our unique digital-first business model, we want to level the playing field for retail investors. From powerful stock and option analysis tools to fully extended trading hours, moomoo serves both new and experienced traders.”

“Moomoos’ robust technologies help investors spot potential investment opportunities and make informed decisions. Investors at all levels are looking for in-depth data, market news and global insights,” said Steve Johansson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. “We want to recognize moomoo as ‘Best Stock Trading App!’ By striving to provide investors with the best online trading experiences possible, investors at any stage can make confident investment decisions backed by readily available data and insights.”

The post Moomoo Wins “Best Stock Trading App” Award in 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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

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As we approach the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, we’ve connected with some of the event’s distinguished speakers to delve into the future of the gaming and tech industries. Their insights shed light on the shifting dynamics, underscoring the significance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic foresight.

We posed the following questions to our speakers:

  • What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career within the gaming/tech sector?
  • Can you share a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
  • In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

Below, you’ll find a brief overview of their responses. For more in-depth insights, scroll down to read each speaker’s full reply.

#### Viktoria Soltesz: Mastering the Financial Game

Viktoria Soltesz, a pivotal figure in the payment solutions space, shared a crucial lesson from her career: the significance of a well-crafted payment plan. Through her work, Soltesz has observed the downfall of companies due to inadequate financial strategies, emphasizing that such pitfalls are easily avoidable with proper planning. Her recent book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” aims to demystify banking and payment processes for businesses, advocating for informed financial decision-making within the gaming and tech sectors.

#### Aleksandra Andrishak: The Power of Continuous Learning

Representing Slotsjudge, Editor in Chief Aleksandra Andrishak looks forward to delving into topics like iGaming and blockchain at the summit. Andrishak highlights the transformative work undertaken at Slotsjudge in 2023 and stresses the importance of perpetual learning in the fast-paced gaming industry. Her advice to newcomers is to embrace innovation and remain adaptable to stay ahead.

#### Jakub Tesar: Blockchain’s Expanding Horizon

Jakub Tesar predicts a promising future for blockchain technology, especially within the Ethereum ecosystem, and the rise of Web3. He envisions a world where gamers have greater control over virtual collectibles and in-game items, thanks to blockchain. Tesar anticipates GenAI revolutionizing game interactions and narratives, urging industry professionals to experiment with blockchain’s burgeoning use cases.

#### Kaspar Szymanski: Navigating SEO in the Gaming and Tech World

Kaspar Szymanski, with his rich background in Google Search, identifies the challenge of distinguishing brands in a saturated market. He argues for a focus on unique selling propositions and long-term growth strategies. At the summit, Szymanski aims to dispel SEO myths and offer actionable advice, emphasizing that SEO setbacks can lead to significant growth opportunities.

#### Jasmina Poglavc: Data-Driven Innovation in iGaming

Jazz underscores the impact of advanced data analytics and AI in enhancing the iGaming experience through personalized player engagement. She points out the challenges of data privacy and navigating the regulatory landscape, advocating for a shift towards more player-centric and responsible gaming practices.

These insights from our speakers highlight a common theme: the gaming and tech industries are at a critical juncture, facing challenges that span financial planning, regulatory navigation, and technological innovation. The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit stands as a pivotal platform for addressing these challenges, fostering dialogue, and paving the way for future advancements.

As we anticipate the rich discussions and networking opportunities at the summit, it’s clear that adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic planning are key to navigating the future of gaming and tech. Join us in Prague to explore these themes and more, shaping the trajectory of these dynamic industries.


Viktoria Soltesz – Founder at PSP Angels

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

In my career within the gaming/tech sector, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a payment plan. While analyzing the financial and banking information of various companies, I noticed a recurring pattern: many companies that failed did so due to poor payment and banking practices. They often miscalculated risks, under-budgeted costs, or neglected to set up a proper payment plan. These errors in financial planning were common culprits behind their downfall. What surprised me the most was how easily these businesses could have avoided such failures with proper payment planning. It became evident that many businesses fail for avoidable reasons, and simply taking the time to understand and establish a payment plan can make a significant difference. By paying close attention to the flow of money and investing just a few hours in crafting a solid plan, a business can set itself on a path to success, outperforming much of its competition.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

One of the achievements I’m particularly proud of in my career is the recent launch of my book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” which is now available on Amazon. This book is a valuable resource for businesses, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of banking and payments in today’s competitive landscape. It provides insights into the intricacies of banking decisions, the history of payment systems, and practical guidance on managing funds more safely and cost-effectively. I’m excited to share this knowledge and help businesses make informed decisions in the realm of payments, especially those that are high-risk or startups.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

In the gaming and tech industries today, one of the most significant challenges is undoubtedly related to payments. While these industries focus heavily on product development, market competition, and marketing strategies, the crucial aspect of payment planning often gets overlooked. This oversight can lead to businesses incurring unnecessary banking fees and facing unexpected operational risks. Understanding the complexities of banking and payment systems is crucial, yet it remains an area with limited knowledge for many in these sectors. Lack of knowledge in this domain can result in poor financial decision-making. As a payment expert, I have observed that addressing these payment-related challenges is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of businesses in the gaming and tech industries. By gaining a better understanding of how payments work and the reasoning behind banking decisions, these industries can navigate financial challenges more effectively and make informed choices, ultimately ensuring smoother operations and cost savings.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am greatly anticipating the upcoming Prague Gaming & TECH Summit for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, I’m excited about the high-quality content that will be presented during the event. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights and knowledge about the gaming and tech industries.

Additionally, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old acquaintances and making new connections. Networking is a fundamental aspect of such gatherings, allowing us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge new professional relationships.

Lastly, I’m eager to hear about the latest industry developments and gossip. Staying informed about the current trends and happenings within the gaming and tech sectors is essential for keeping a competitive edge in these dynamic industries.

Overall, the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit promises to be an enriching and engaging experience, offering valuable content, networking opportunities, and industry insights.


Aleksandra Andrishak – Editor in Chief at Slotsjudge

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

The vegan catering! Jokes aside, Hipther events are renowned for their best-in-class networking, and I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into topics such as iGaming, eSports, and Blockchain with top experts in the industry. This will mark my second collaboration on stage with Zoltan and the team, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m honored to represent Slotsjudge at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024. I’m particularly proud of all the work we’ve accomplished with the team in 2023. This year, you can expect even more from us, including new features, a completely revamped website, and even more ways to have fun together with us if you’re a gaming enthusiast!

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Never stop learning. The gaming industry is one of those sectors where innovation occurs almost daily. To stay ahead of the curve, you cannot afford to become complacent. Continuously strive to expand your knowledge and skills. Good luck!


Jakub Tesar – Innovation, Digital & Emerging Tech Lead at EY

What are your top three predictions for the future of gaming and tech industries in the next five years?

  1. The Ethereum ecosystem will evolve into a hub for practical applications, driving large-scale enterprise adoption of blockchain technology.
  2. The growth of Web3 will empower users to have self-custody over virtual collectibles and in-game items, enabling the purchase of ‘phygital’ items that merge the physical and online worlds. This evolution will facilitate free trade on blockchain-powered marketplaces and allow brands to explore new monetization strategies for digital assets.
  3. Generative AI (GenAI) will revolutionize gaming experiences, enabling players to interact with non-player characters (NPCs) in more natural and dynamic ways, and experience storylines that adapt and evolve in real-time.

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you? What challenges do you think the industry needs to address? The integration of GenAI within gaming environments excites me the most. It offers unprecedented, natural-like interactions with GenAI-based NPCs and allows for fluid, dynamic storylines. However, the industry must navigate the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that these technologies are developed and used responsibly.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector? In my career, the most valuable lesson has been the constant need for innovation and adaptability. The rapid pace at which technology evolves requires a perpetual learning mindset and the willingness to embrace change.

How do you see the role of AI and emerging technologies shaping the gaming and tech industries? AI and emerging technologies are set to fundamentally reshape the gaming and tech industries by introducing more immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. These technologies will not only enhance gameplay but also offer new avenues for creativity and innovation within the sector.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry? Never stop learning. The gaming industry, in particular, is characterized by its rapid evolution and innovation. Staying informed and continually enhancing your skills is crucial to staying ahead in this competitive field.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today? Addressing the ethical and societal implications of rapid technological advancement, including privacy concerns, data security, and the potential for misuse, remains a significant challenge.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see? Regulations need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers. I hope to see regulations evolve in a way that supports the ethical development of new technologies while ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to all.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit? I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into the latest industry trends, connect with fellow professionals, and share insights on the evolving landscape of gaming and technology.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session? I hope attendees recognize the enduring significance of blockchain technologies and are inspired to explore and experiment with their vast potential for innovative use cases.


Kaspar Szymanski – Founder of SearchBrothers

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

One of the primary challenges in an industry saturated with numerous market players offering similar web platforms and services is effectively defining and communicating a compelling unique selling proposition (USP). While brand building, prioritizing user experience, and optimizing website performance are essential, they are merely steps towards the ultimate goal of offering a service or product that isn’t readily available elsewhere. Moreover, developing a long-term strategy presents a significant challenge in an industry that tends to favor short-term success. The pressure of organizational and market demands often hinders decision-makers from adopting strategies focused on sustainable, gradual growth. This challenge is particularly evident in search engine optimization (SEO), where the goals of long-term growth and meeting immediate organizational needs must be aligned, as search engine algorithms prioritize actual ranking signals over organizational constraints.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am eager to share the unique insights into Google Search that I gained during my time working for Google, as well as my experiences as a consultant helping clients in competitive niches outperform their competitors. My presentation will include exciting real-life case studies, debunk several myths within the SEO industry, and provide attendees with actionable advice they can immediately apply. I am also looking forward to listening and learning from others, and eagerly anticipate addressing audience questions during the Q&A session following my presentation.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session?

I want my audience to understand that Google penalties are not the end of the world and can be resolved. SEO setbacks, while initially unwelcome, can actually offer an opportunity for significant growth, potentially surpassing any previous rankings on Google Search. These moments can be a hidden blessing, revealing new paths to success. I invite anyone curious about the inner workings of Google Search, how it can benefit your website, and seeking genuine answers to their Google and SEO questions to join my session.


Jasmina Poglavc – Senior Product Manager at Gamanza Group AG & Freelance iGaming Consultant

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you, and what challenges do you think the industry needs to address?

My background in iGaming platforms and online operations has given me a unique perspective on the transformative potential of advanced data analytics and AI. These technologies promise significant changes, especially in real-time player engagement for iGaming platforms and operators. By analyzing player behavior, preferences, and patterns in real time, we can offer personalized promotions, customized gaming experiences, and targeted loyalty programs. This not only boosts player satisfaction but also optimizes revenue streams.

However, the full realization of these benefits faces challenges, primarily concerning data privacy and security. Protecting sensitive player information is paramount, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape to align data-driven practices with compliance standards is equally crucial.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

Adaptability has been the most valuable lesson in my career. The gaming and tech sectors are incredibly dynamic, with constant evolutions and innovations. Embracing change, remaining agile, and continuously seeking learning opportunities have been essential for navigating challenges and achieving success. Anticipating industry trends and staying informed about technological and regulatory developments are key to staying ahead.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Stay curious and proactive. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities, keep up with industry trends, and cultivate a strong professional network. Innovation drives the gaming and tech industries, so developing a mindset that embraces change and fosters creativity is crucial.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

The primary challenges include cybersecurity threats, talent acquisition and retention, and adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape. Balancing innovation with compliance is challenging, as regulations often lag behind technological advancements. A strategic, adaptive approach is essential for navigating these challenges, necessitating proactive engagement with regulators and an awareness of legal frameworks.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see?

The gaming industry, exemplified by the situation in Germany, faces challenges from overregulation, which can drive players toward unregulated, black-market operators. While regulations are crucial for ensuring fairness and consumer protection, too restrictive an environment can hinder the industry’s growth and inadvertently compromise player safety.

I advocate for regulations that evolve with technological advancements, are harmonized globally, and are developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders. This approach aims to balance consumer protection with innovation, ensuring a thriving, responsible gaming ecosystem.


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