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John Salley and The Spark Network Built On Bitcoin
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NFTglee has partnered with John Salley in a meaningful move to own the rights, distribution, and ongoing value creation associated with his content and brand.
John Salley and NFTglee will launch The SPRK Network, built exclusively on Bitcoin, to unlock the freedom rights that have been taken by media conglomerates for decades. Celebrity tokens will now be associated with the ‘NIL’ (name, image, likeness) rights rather than unfair and upside-down contracts pilfered by Hollywood for far too long.
John Salley and Bitcoin
“Bitcoin is freedom. In consistently searching for avenues to empower myself and all of my friends, I’ve come to the conclusion that true ownership of our work is a must. Non- fungible tokens built on Bitcoin is the foundation of that opportunity.”
“Instead of intermediaries and entertainment industry roadblocks, I’ve found the key that unlocks the direct to consumer media and content model. The technology provides incredible upside and value to both the consumer and the creator – and more and more of us creators are beginning to see it.”
“I’m so excited to be a first mover in taking back what is ours… our work, our content, our names, ownership. And again, Bitcoin provides the rails by which we can connect directly with the public. I can’t wait to show everybody what’s to come!” – John Salley, 4- Time NBA Champion, Media Personality, and Wellness Advocate.
Name, Image, and Likeness NFT’s Surge
NFTglee’s newly hired President of Media and Entertainment, Jonah Hart, agrees with the explosion in NFT’s associated with content and media across the industry.
“The value proposition for the artist and their fans is unprecedented. I believe 2022 will prove to be a wave of mass adoption of NFT’s across the music and creator economy that will have labels and brands scrambling to keep up. The ability for artists to go directly to consumers with a remarkably better value proposition is powerful. John Salley and his network are on the cutting edge here, but we believe (and are already seeing) a wave of those like him ready to follow in his footsteps.”
The SPRK Network ‘Effect’ And Bitcoin
Building on Bitcoin continues to grab mindshare within celebrity and influencer communities. The Spark Network will capitalize on John Salley’s considerable talents; but also his ability to walk his celebrity colleagues through a narrative that allows them to be set free from the captivity of media conglomerates that do not have the artists’ best interest in mind.
The SPRK Network — which will be launched along with John’s partners, Greg Romano, Ross Mark, and Dr. Dan Ratner — is the first of its kind: a new streaming network that will be built exclusively on Bitcoin, to unlock the freedom rights that have been taken by media conglomerates for decades. Celebrity tokens will now be associated with the ‘NIL’ (name, image, likeness) rights rather than unfair and upside-down contracts pilfered by Hollywood for far too long. SPRK Network launches on 2/22/22 and will include channels on mind-body wellness, sports, cryptocurrency, education, documentaries, comedy specials, and original shows and movies.
“The SPRK Network is about making a one-to-one connection with consumers and fans, unlike anything that has been done in media. The artist is in complete control of their work, their revenue, and the ways in which they engage with consumers. The shackles are being removed here, and it’s so exciting.” – John Salley, 4-Time NBA Champion, Media Personality, and Wellness Advocate.
Specifically, The SPRK Network will issue NFT tokens directly to consumers that will give those individuals direct and unprecedented access to celebrities, artists, creators, and their content. Podcasts, AMA’s, reality tv series, concerts, appearances, experiences, and events – all facilitated by The SPRK Network token and series of tokens.
“We are passionate about giving creators and artists of every genre access to all of their value. No more friction, middlemen, or inflated costs. In many ways, this is the real-world application of ‘Bitcoin fixes this’ – a well-known phrase in the Bitcoin community. We are thrilled to have partnered with John Salley, whose been a voice of economic freedom in many areas.”
“We remain so impressed by his enthusiasm and energy to unlock incredible opportunities for his friends and colleagues across media and entertainment. 2022 is going to be a big year for NFT’s built on Bitcoin.” – Tillman Holloway, CEO NFTglee.
About John Salley: A proud native of Brooklyn, New York, John found a love for basketball at an early age. He accepted a Basketball Scholarship to Georgia Tech to play for legendary head coach Bobby Cremins. He went on to great success in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers. After he hung up his NBA sneakers Mr. Salley went on to media success via
The Best Damn Sports Show Period and E! Entertainment. Mr. Salley is passionate about health and wellness and practices a vegan lifestyle and is known as an accomplished Chef.
Watch here, what he said, about vegan lifestyle some years ago:
About NFTglee: NFTglee specializes in partnerships and collaborations with artists, unique personalities, social media influencers, and brands to bring exclusive NFT collections, built on the Bitcoin blockchain, of limited edition, high quality digital, and physical art to market.
NFTglee’s NFT collections are exclusive to our platform and available through our partners. We believe in the value-driven model of digital access paired with luxury goods, experiences, and physical possessions – as much as we value digital access as a stand-alone.
About SPRK Network: The SPRK Network is a new streaming network with its main mission being to promote real and meaningful change in the world, whether it comes in the form of financial freedom, mental health awareness and advocacy, or content that gives the creator their full voice and control over their projects. The SPRK Network was formed by John Salley, along with his partners, Greg Romano (TV and film producer/ editor/graphics designer), Ross Mark (long-time producer for The Tonight Show), and Dr. Dan Ratner (internationally known chronic pain and symptoms expert).
SOURCE: NFTglee
– Faster-than-anticipated close contributes to accretion and free cash flow benefit realization a year earlier than modeled
– As an Aon company, NFP will operate as an independent and connected platform delivering Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities
– Enterprise value of $13.0 billion, including $7.0 billion cash and assumed liabilities as well as $6.0 billion in equity in the form of 19.0 million Aon shares
DUBLIN, April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of NFP, a leading middle market property and casualty broker, benefits consultant, wealth manager and retirement plan advisor, from funds affiliated with NFP’s main capital sponsor, Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), and funds affiliated with HPS Investment Partners for an enterprise value of $13.0 billion, including $7.0 billion cash and assumed liabilities1 as well as $6.0 billion in equity in the form of 19.0 million Aon shares.
“It is a historic day for our firm as we welcome NFP to Aon and work together to help clients address increasing volatility across risk and people issues,” said Greg Case, CEO of Aon. “With high performing teams and leading content and capability – further enabled by our Aon Business Services operating platform – we will create more value for our clients, while also enhancing long-term shareholder value creation for investors. This acquisition is another example of how we are going further, faster with our 3×3 Plan to accelerate our Aon United strategy and further enhance our relevance to clients.”
The acquisition of NFP expands Aon’s presence in the large and fast-growing middle-market segment, with more than 7,700 colleagues and capabilities across property and casualty brokerage, benefits consulting, wealth management and retirement plan advisory. As an Aon company, NFP will operate as an “independent and connected” platform delivering Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities from across Aon and will continue to be led by NFP CEO Doug Hammond, reporting into Aon President Eric Andersen.
“The idea of being ‘independent and connected’ is key to how we will collaborate and create more options for clients across our Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities,” said Andersen. “Doug and his team have built an exceptional client-centered business and we are focused on using our Aon Business Services platform to scale delivery of new capabilities to small and middle market clients across Aon and NFP.”
“With Aon’s acquisition of NFP now complete, we are starting an exciting new chapter in our company’s history,” said Doug Hammond, CEO of NFP. “We look forward to the positive impact that our complementary expertise and capabilities will have on all stakeholders. Aon’s diverse resources and global reach enhance our ability to serve the dynamic risk, workforce, wealth management and retirement needs of our clients. We remain focused on both advancing a culture colleagues want to be part of and working together to contribute to our collective growth and success.”
The faster-than-anticipated close date contributes to expected accretion and free cash flow benefit realization a year earlier than modeled at announcement. Aon will provide further updates on NFP and deal financials, along with the firm’s financial results, guidance, and outlook during its previously scheduled earnings call on April 26, 2024.
UBS Investment Bank served as the exclusive financial advisor to Aon on the transaction. Citi served as a financial advisor and is advising Aon on the transaction financing. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and McDermott Will & Emery LLP acted as external legal counsel to Aon. Evercore acted as lead financial advisor with support from Barclays, BofA Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Jefferies LLC and TD Securities to NFP. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP acted as external legal counsel to NFP, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as external legal counsel to NFP’s capital sponsors.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries and sovereignties with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
About NFP
NFP, an Aon company, is an organization of consultative advisors and problem solvers helping companies and individuals address their most significant risk, workforce, wealth management and retirement challenges. We are more than 7,700 colleagues in the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, UK and Ireland serving a diversity of clients, industries and communities. Our global capabilities, specialized expertise and customized solutions span property and casualty insurance, benefits, wealth management and retirement plan advisory. Together, we put people first, prioritize partnerships and continuously advance a culture we’re proud of. Visit https://www.nfp.com/ to learn more.
About Madison Dearborn Partners
Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC is a leading private equity investment firm based in Chicago. Since MDP’s formation in 1992, the firm has raised aggregate capital of more than $31 billion and has completed over 160 platform investments. MDP invests across four dedicated industry verticals, including basic industries; financial services; health care; and technology & government. For more information, please visit www.mdcp.com.
About HPS Investment Partners
HPS Investment Partners, LLC is a leading global, credit-focused alternative investment firm that seeks to provide creative capital solutions and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our clients. We manage various strategies across the capital structure, including privately negotiated senior debt; privately negotiated junior capital solutions in debt, preferred and equity formats; liquid credit including syndicated leveraged loans, collateralized loan obligations and high yield bonds; asset-based finance and real estate. The scale and breadth of our platform offers the flexibility to invest in companies large and small, through standard or customized solutions. At our core, we share a common thread of intellectual rigor and discipline that enables us to create value for our clients, who have entrusted us with $111 billion of assets under management as of February 2024. For more information, please visit www.hpspartners.com.
Investor Contact
Aon
Leslie Follmer
+1 847 442 0622
[email protected]
Media Contacts
Aon
[email protected]
Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114
International: +1 312 381 3024
NFP
Josh Wozman
[email protected]
415.318.6441
Safe Harbor Statement
This communication contains certain statements related to future results, or states Aon’s intentions, beliefs and expectations or predictions for the future, all of which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results depending on a variety of factors. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of Aon’s operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that Aon expects or anticipates may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the benefits of the acquisition, including future financial and operating results and synergies, Aon’s, NFP’s and the combined firm’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions are forward-looking statements. Also, when Aon uses words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “looking forward”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “potential”, “opportunity”, “commit”, “probably”, “project”, “should”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions, it is making forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or anticipated by the forward looking statements: adverse effects on the market price of Aon’s securities and on Aon’s operating results for any reason, the failure to realize the expected benefits of the acquisition (including anticipated revenue and growth synergies), the failure to effectively integrate the combined companies, changes in global, political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory forces, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax laws, regulations, rates and policies, future business acquisitions or disposals, significant transaction and integration costs or difficulties in connection with the acquisition and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities, potential litigation associated with the acquisition, the potential impact of the consummation of the acquisition on relationships, including with suppliers, customers, employees and regulators, and general economic, business and political conditions (including any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak) that affect the combined companies.
Any or all of Aon’s forward-looking statements may turn out to be inaccurate, and there are no guarantees about Aon’s performance. The factors identified above are not exhaustive. Aon and its subsidiaries operate in a dynamic business environment in which new risks may emerge frequently. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. In addition, results for prior periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any future period. Further information concerning Aon and its businesses, including factors that potentially could materially affect Aon’s financial results, is contained in Aon’s filings with the SEC. See Aon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and additional documents filed by Aon with the SEC for a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to Aon and its businesses. These factors may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements in this communication are based upon information available as of the date of this communication which, while believed to be true when made, may ultimately prove to be incorrect. Aon is not under, and expressly disclaims, any obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statement that it may make from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the proposed acquisition or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements.
1 Total amount of cash consideration based on estimates of acquired cash.
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Nasdaq’s robust first-quarter performance underscores the increasing demand for its financial technology offerings. The notable upswing in revenue from its financial technology division and index business highlights the efficacy of its adaptable business model amid uncertain market conditions.
Although Nasdaq experienced a downturn in revenue from market services, particularly in U.S. equity derivatives and cash equities, the overall growth in its solutions sector, encompassing index and financial technology products, substantially boosted its net revenue.
The company’s strategic diversification beyond conventional trading and listing services, with a focus on anti-financial crime and compliance solutions, illustrates its commitment to expanding revenue streams and ensuring long-term viability.
Despite falling short of analysts’ expectations for adjusted profit per share, Nasdaq’s emphasis on innovative products and solutions helped offset the impact of slowing trading activity in U.S. equities. The decrease in volumes of equity matched shares and options reflects a period of decreased market volatility.
Prominent listings on the Nasdaq exchange during the quarter, including Astera Labs and Kyverna Therapeutics, further enhance the platform’s appeal to technology and biotech enterprises.
Looking ahead, Nasdaq maintains optimism regarding the pipeline of companies preparing to go public, contingent upon economic and market dynamics. However, immediate market responses to Nasdaq’s earnings call led to a decline in its stock price, mirroring broader trends in the U.S. stock market.
In conclusion, Nasdaq’s performance underscores its resilience and adaptability in meeting the evolving requirements of traders, investors, and listed entities within the dynamic capital markets milieu.
Source: reuters.com
The post Nasdaq’s revenue beats on strong demand for fintech products appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Fintech startup Payflows has emerged from stealth mode, securing €25 million in Series A funding to drive its enterprise financial automation platform.
Developed since 2022, the platform is tailored to automate financial operations for scale-ups positioned “at the mid to upper end of growth.” Its functionalities span across accounts processing, procurement, payments, cashflows, customer and supplier insights, and other tasks within the purview of a CFO.
Delivered through Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), the solution complements existing enterprise resource management (ERP) tools, rather than serving as a complete replacement. This flexibility allows for the deployment of specific modules as needed.
In a recent statement, the Paris-based fintech highlighted the cost-efficiency of Payflows, emphasizing that CFOs only pay for essential ERP licenses while ensuring access to crucial data for team efficiency.
The platform pledges real-time visibility into financial tasks, streamlined collaboration among teams, and heightened productivity, leveraging AI technology.
Previously, Payflows secured a $5.5 million (€5.1 million) seed funding round from Ribbit Capital and US-based venture capital firm Headline. Business Insider reported that both investors continued their support in the Series A round, led by Balderton Capital.
Founder Pauline Glikman envisions Payflows as “a single platform for finance teams to sync and orchestrate data across all their ERP tools and financial systems.” Glikman asserts that the platform empowers rapid workflow modifications “in seconds,” without the need for developer oversight or coding.
Source: fintechfutures.com
The post Payflows Emerges from Stealth with €25 Million Series A Funding Round appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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