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Seed Round Funding: Wine App InVintory Secures $2.3M USD

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TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – InVintory, the cutting-edge wine management platform, has successfully raised $2.3M USD in seed round funding to fuel its expansion into the hospitality and storage industries. This funding round, led by passionate users, as well as angel and strategic investors, will enable InVintory to launch its industry-leading 3D technology to businesses, including restaurants, hotels, golf and country clubs, wine storage facilities, and wine clubs. This round also marks a significant milestone, as Joshua Daiter steps into the role of CEO. Founded in 2019, InVintory has grown from a vision to simplify wine management into a sophisticated platform trusted by collectors and businesses around the world. Streamlining Wine Management for Businesses Building on its success in the private wine collection market, InVintory is now set to empower hospitality operators with a comprehensive solution. The platform will help facilities streamline wine program management, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and support wine clubs in managing their members’ collections. As the hospitality industry increasingly emphasizes inventory efficiency, InVintory’s tailored platform is poised to become an essential tool for wine programs across the sector. InVintory also plans to expand its product into new international markets, beginning with Europe, to meet the growing demand for innovative wine management solutions worldwide. The new funding will be used for the following initiatives: Development of advanced hospitality and storage features including real-time inventory tracking, analytics, and custom workflows for managing wine usage during events. Team expansion to recruit top talent in product development and sales to accelerate growth. Enhanced marketing efforts to capture significant market share with new audiences. International expansion to introduce InVintory’s platform to new markets. Key Features for Enterprise InVintory’s platform is designed to enhance both operational efficiency and guest experience for hospitality and wine club clients: Real-Time Inventory Tracking – Monitor stock levels in real-time for accurate, up-to-date availability. Customizable Reporting and Analytics – Generate insights on sales trends, inventory turnover, and profitability to help facilities make data-driven decisions. 3D Virtual Cellar Visualizations – Seamlessly organize and track inventory across primary cellars and off-site storage locations. Member and Locker Management for Wine Clubs – Provide personalized dashboards, member insights, and locker management for a unique, branded experience for wine club members. Executive Quotes “InVintory was born out of a passion for simplifying wine management, and I’m thrilled to bring that vision to the hospitality and wine storage sectors,” said Joshua Daiter, CEO of InVintory. “Our platform enables venues to elevate their wine offerings and deliver exceptional guest experiences, all while maximizing operational efficiency.” About InVintory Founded in 2019, InVintory provides a powerful solution for managing wine collections. With features like AI-powered recommendations, advanced analytics, and 3D cellar models, InVintory has become an invaluable tool for wine collectors and hospitality venues seeking to streamline operations. The platform’s innovative design and commitment to the wine community position it as a leader in wine inventory management.

Apps

Premier Construction Software Partners with Lumber to Revolutionize Workforce Management in Construction

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MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 15, 2024 /CNW/ – Premier Construction Software, the global leader in financial cloud ERP solutions for the construction industry, announces a strategic partnership with Lumber, a modern payroll and workforce management platform. This collaboration brings together two industry leaders with a shared mission to transform workforce management in the construction sector, enhancing operational efficiency, real-time decision-making, and project success. Together, Premier and Lumber are addressing one of the most pressing challenges in construction—streamlining workforce management. By integrating their advanced technologies, this partnership offers construction companies an unparalleled solution that unifies payroll, HR, and real-time labor data, ensuring better job costing, financial accuracy, and workforce optimization. “This partnership elevates our ability to deliver true end value to our clients,” said Karoline Lapko, CEO of Premier Construction Software. “In today’s fast-moving construction landscape, successful project delivery relies on accurate, real-time data flow and seamless software integration. Partnering with Lumber allows us to build a powerful, well-architected API that drives both efficiency and scalability, ensuring that clients are empowered to make timely, informed decisions across their operations.” Shreesha Ramdas, Co-Founder of Lumber, echoed this sentiment: “This partnership is a milestone for the construction sector. By combining Premier’s robust ERP with Lumber’s cutting-edge payroll technology, we’re enabling greater project efficiency and unlocking new opportunities for seamless collaboration across North America. Our combined solution provides construction businesses with a powerful tool to manage labor costs in real-time, improving profitability and project outcomes.” Manish Kumar, Co-Founder of Lumber, added, “We’re thrilled to partner with Premier Construction Software, a company that shares our commitment to integrity and innovation. Together, we aim to empower construction companies with technologies that optimize processes, enhance employee well-being, and ultimately drive success in a highly competitive, dynamic market.” Driving Digital Transformation in Construction Premier’s AI-powered cloud ERP platform sets the standard for automation, real-time visibility, and financial control in the construction industry. This partnership with Lumber furthers Premier’s mission to drive digital transformation by providing clients with the ability to capture labor data in real time, improving job costing accuracy and streamlining both payroll and workforce management processes. A Track Record of Leadership and Innovation As a leader in the construction software space, Premier Construction Software has helped thousands of construction companies optimize performance and drive sustainable growth. With over 30 years of industry expertise and innovation, Premier continues to lead the digital transformation of construction, ensuring clients have the tools and insights they need to succeed in today’s competitive market. For more information about how Premier Construction Software’s award-winning solutions can help your business achieve operational excellence, visit premiercs.com About Premier Construction Software Founded in 2009, Premier Construction Software operates on a global scale with offices across North America, Australia/New Zealand, and the MENA region. We specialize in financial construction software, delivering a unified platform that integrates financial management, project execution, field operations, and AI-driven technology to help clients achieve operational excellence and scalability. Premier Construction Software is a subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc., a global leader in delivering specialized, mission-critical software solutions for both public and private sectors. About Lumber Lumber is a modern AI-powered workforce management platform that seamlessly streamlines payroll for building contractors. Visit lumberfi.com for more information.

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Trustpilot Develops Integration for HubSpot to Help Businesses Build Brand Trust

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The new integration automates review invitations and enhances the customer experience with seamless feedback collection at key touchpoints for continuous improvement. NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Trustpilot, the global consumer review platform, announced that it is now listed in the HubSpot App Marketplace. This integration will serve to streamline review collection processes, improve customer experiences, drive conversions, and build brand trust. 86% of businesses consider verified reviews critical in their purchase decisions. With this new integration, businesses can easily trigger Trustpilot review invitations at key moments throughout the customer journey, enabling the collection of valuable feedback and expanding their brand reach with high-quality reviews. “Consumers today seek transparency and authenticity and our integration with HubSpot will enable businesses to receive this critical kind of feedback throughout their customer’s journey,” said Brian Green, Chief Revenue Officer at Trustpilot. ” In fact, 55% of U.S. consumers say they have more faith in imperfect scores, as it shows a willingness to improve rather than just presenting a highlight reel. With HubSpot we’ll enable businesses to engage with their customers at key moments, building trust, driving growth, and fostering lasting relationships.” By automating review invitations at critical moments in the customer journey, businesses can capture more high-quality feedback when customers are most likely to respond, strengthening relationships and enhancing credibility. Additionally, businesses can leverage reviews at scale through Trustpilot’s marketing assets, attracting new customers and increasing conversions by up to 23%. The integration also improves operational efficiency by aligning review collection with sales, service, and marketing processes. “We’re thrilled to integrate with Trustpilot to offer our users an easy and powerful tool they can add to their marketing toolbox to gather customer feedback,” said Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot. “We’re committed to helping businesses grow better by providing the right tools that enhance customer engagement. Our integration with Trustpilot will empower our users to build trust, capture high-quality reviews, and turn customer insights into actionable improvements, driving both their credibility and growth.” A key feature of the integration is its flexibility. Businesses can seamlessly integrate review requests into their workflows, reaching customers after key interactions—such as closed deals or resolved service tickets—to gather feedback, a strategy that is proven to lead to 15% higher star ratings and 105% more reviews compared to manual processes. Businesses that collect reviews on Trustpilot see an average uplift of 30% more clicks across both paid and organic search, which proves the power of real, high-quality feedback. The integration also helps businesses unify their review and customer journey efforts, providing operational efficiency in aligning review collection with sales, service, and marketing processes. Companies that actively invite reviews throughout the customer journey achieve higher TrustScores and build stronger customer relationships than those relying solely on organic reviews. Key features of the integration include: Automatic triggers for Trustpilot service review invitations based on HubSpot sales deals and service tickets The ability to add dynamic tags to reviews for better organization The option to turn the integration on/off without contacting Trustpilot support Additional features that will be added include: enhanced customization options, including selecting specific review templates, template localization, and additional email triggers based on user feedback Trustpilot and HubSpot together will enable businesses to strengthen their customer relationships, improve transparency, and create lasting credibility. By automating the review process, companies can focus on growth and delivering better customer experiences, leading to stronger brand loyalty and continuous success.

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Discover Peggy.com: Where Innovation Meets Art with Original Works by Acclaimed Artists!

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TechBeat Canada recently met with Craig Follett, Co-Founder, Peggy.com, an innovative social platform that gives access to sought-after art and pays royalties to artists. Peggy has partnered with 30+ contemporary art galleries from around the world to feature artists that push the boundaries of contemporary art. All artwork is original and made by highly acclaimed artists. If someone google’s your business, what will the prospective customers search for in the google search bar?  Prospective collectors might use search queries like “Buy contemporary art online,” “Contemporary artists in Toronto,” or “Online art auctions.” What inspired you to start your company, and what problem are you aiming to solve with your innovation? After I bought my first house, I wanted to make it a home by filling the walls with art. But the question of where to buy art (and what art I should collect) wasn’t easily answered. I visited local art fairs, chatted with artists and galleries, and learned about the presence of art royalties in Europe and their absence elsewhere. While high-net-worth collectors could buy a Picasso or Basquiat and resell it effortlessly, most of the art world couldn’t afford the same flexibility. In other words, there were a lot of ways that the art world could be better for artists, galleries, and collectors. I collaborated with my longtime co-founder, Adam Meghji, who had started his own art-collecting journey, to think of ways to bring art to more people. The result is an app that supports the important work artists do while addressing the pain points that collectors experience. Can you describe the core technology behind business? What makes it unique and potentially disruptive in your industry? The core technology is the Peggy-designed Digital Fingerprint—the first technology to use AI to enable verified resale and facilitate artist royalties. The Digital Fingerprint is disruptive in the art world because the status quo for artwork authentication is failing. The age-old method for artwork authentication relies on an analog self-reported method of tracking the chain of ownership, also called provenance, from the artwork studio to the most recent owner. Due to the lack of authentication, artists and collectors have been exploited by forgeries. Most recently, the largest art fraud in world history occurred, imitating renowned Ojibwe artist Norval Morrisseau. More than 1,000 artworks were seized from a forgery ring relying on child labour. Famed institutions are not immune to art fraud, either. In 2022, the FBI seized 25 artworks said to have been created by Jean-Michel Basquiat from the Orlando Museum of Art. The patent-pending Digital Fingerprint uses artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to create a digital fingerprint of the artwork. It eliminates human error and minimizes fraud in authenticating art, and the best part is how easy it is to use. To create a digital fingerprint, artists scan the artwork with their smartphone camera, and the AI creates a unique identity for the artwork within a few minutes. To authenticate a work, collectors simply need to take a few captures of the artwork to match the digital fingerprint and register ownership. Beyond authentication, the Digital Fingerprint enables artists to earn royalties on all future sales. In many countries without legislation, artwork will sell on the secondary market for 10x what the artist initially earned. Without Peggy, artists receive $0 of this upside. Even when artist resale rights are introduced, the fine print can block artists from getting paid. What products are offered by you and who is your target audience? Peggy has the following products: Core marketplace—where collectors can discover, buy and sell contemporary art. On the discovery side, the core marketplace has Pegboards, Pegcasts, Insights and editorial content to build community engagement while collectors discover the art on Peggy. Your Vault—where collectors onboard their existing art collection onto Peggy and unlock the power of the Peggy-designed Digital Fingerprint. Concierge—a complimentary service for all contemporary art questions and requests. LLM—a virtual extension of the concierge service, allowing collectors to have their contemporary art questions answered. Royalties—Peggy pays a 5% royalty to artists and participating primary galleries on all secondary sales. Auctions—Peggy powers online auctions for contemporary art and art collectables. Peggy isn’t just another app for scrolling through unattainable art. It’s an app for looking at, learning about, buying, and even selling art. And everyone is welcome. Every business faces challenges. Can you share a significant obstacle your team has overcome, and what lessons did you learn from it? One obstacle Peggy overcame was building trust and credibility within the art community. The art world is one of the last analogue industries— think paper certificates of authenticity. Moreover, there is a hesitancy within the incumbent art community to fully open the technology floodgates, especially when navigating generative AI and its impacts on artists. The Peggy team focused on our four cultural values to overcome this obstacle—security, storytelling, straightforwardness, and forward-thinking. In doing so, Peggy established itself as a reputable platform for artists, galleries and collectors. The lesson learned was prioritizing transparency, authenticity, quality, integrity and reliability in building long-lasting stakeholder relationships. Where do you see your company in five years, and how do you envision your technology evolving? In five years, Peggy envisions itself as a leading destination for discovering and purchasing contemporary art. Peggy will also power auctions in contemporary art and art collectables spaces. The technology will evolve to incorporate advanced AI and AR features, allowing collectors to experience artworks in their spaces before purchasing. How does your startup stand out from competitors, and how do you plan to maintain or enhance your competitive edge? Peggy is the only social marketplace for discovering, buying, and selling contemporary art, so there aren’t any direct competitors. It is also the only art marketplace with verified resale and royalties on all secondary sales. Beyond this, Peggy stands out from companies in an adjacent space by emphasizing community engagement, artist empowerment, and transparency in the art-buying process. Peggy plans to continuously innovate the platform, expand its artist network, and enhance user experiences

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Newtopia Engages ICP Securities Inc. for Automated Market Making Services

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TORONTO, March 22, 2024 /CNW/ – Newtopia Inc. (“Newtopia“) (TSXV: NEWU) (OTCQB: NEWUF), a tech-enabled whole health platform creating sustainable habits that prevent, slow and reverse chronic disease, is pleased to announce that it has engaged the services of ICP Securities Inc. (“ICP”) to provide automated market making services, including use of its proprietary algorithm, ICP Premium™, in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation. ICP will receive a fee of C$7,500 plus applicable taxes per month, payable monthly in advance. The agreement between the Company and ICP is for an Initial Term of three (3) months and shall be automatically renewed for subsequent one (1) month terms (each month called an “Additional Term“) unless either party provides at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to the end of the Initial Term or an Additional Term, as applicable. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and no stock options or other compensation are being granted in connection with the engagement. ICP and its clients may acquire an interest in the securities of the Company in the future. ICP is an arm’s length party to the Company. ICP’s market making activity will be primarily to correct temporary imbalances in the supply and demand of the Company’s shares. ICP will be responsible for the costs it incurs in buying and selling the Company’s shares, and no third party will be providing funds or securities for the market making activities. About Newtopia Newtopia is a personalized whole health platform helping people create positive lifelong habits that prevent, slow, or reverse chronic disease while reducing healthcare costs. The platform leverages genetic, social and behavioral insights to create individualized prevention programs with a focus on metabolic disease, diabetes, mental health challenges, hypertension, weight management and musculoskeletal disorders. With a person-centered approach that combines virtual care, digital tools, connected devices and actionable data science, Newtopia delivers sustainable clinical and financial outcomes. Newtopia serves some of the largest nationwide employers and health plans and is currently listed in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSXV: NEWU) and is quoted in the US on the OTCQB® Venture Market (OTCQB: NEWUF). To learn more, visit newtopia.com, LinkedIn or X. About ICP Securities Inc. ICP Securities Inc. (ICP) is a Toronto based CIRO dealer-member that specializes in automated market making and liquidity provision, as well as having a proprietary market making algorithm, ICP Premium™, that enhances liquidity and quote health. Established in 2023, with a focus on market structure, execution, and trading, ICP has leveraged its own proprietary technology to deliver high quality liquidity provision and execution services to a broad array of public issuers and institutional investors. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, and forward looking statements, within the meaning of applicable United States securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which reflects management’s expectations regarding Newtopia’s future growth, results from operations (including, without limitation, future production and capital expenditures), performance (both operational and financial) and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “anticipate” or “does not anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward- looking information. Such statements reflect Newtopia’s current views and intentions with respect to future events, based on information available to Newtopia, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. While forward-looking statements are based on data, assumptions and analyses that Newtopia believes are reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet Newtopia’s expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of Newtopia to differ materially from its expectations. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee and are based on a number of estimates and assumptions management believes to be relevant and reasonable, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet Newtopia’s expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of Newtopia to differ materially from its expectations. Certain of the “risk factors” that could cause actual results to differ materially from Newtopia’s forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation: the termination of contracts by clients, risks related to COVID-19 including various recommendations, orders and measures of  governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters- in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and other general economic, market and business conditions and factors, including the risk factors discussed or referred to in Newtopia’s disclosure documents, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at  www.sedar.com including Newtopia’s final long form prospectus dated March 30, 2020. Should any factor affect Newtopia’s in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward- looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, Newtopia does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release, and Newtopia undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Localcoin Introduces New Feature: Sell Bitcoin Easily with INTERAC e-Transfer®

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TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2024 /CNW/ – Localcoin, a Toronto-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, announced today the launch of its INTERAC e-Transfer® sell feature, enabling customers to sell their bitcoins for e-Transfer directly to their bank accounts within minutes. This exciting development expands Localcoin’s product line that enables crypto-enthusiasts to easily liquidate their crypto for CAD.  Localcoin’s commitment to providing users with accessible, convenient, and secure options for managing their digital assets is further exemplified through this new feature. Users can quickly and easily sell cryptocurrencies online and receive funds directly in their Canadian bank accounts via INTERAC e-Transfer within minutes. No account creation or personal details, outside of a phone number or email, are required to use this feature. The inclusion of the INTERAC e-Transfer sell feature is a significant milestone for Localcoin, reflecting the company’s dedication to streamlining cryptocurrency accessibility for its customers. With this feature, customers can seamlessly liquidate Bitcoins for up to CAD $4,975 per day, with the funds directly sent to their bank accounts. Key Benefits of Localcoin INTERAC e-Transfer feature: Convenience: By integrating with INTERAC e-Transfer, users can sell their cryptocurrencies for cash without driving to an ATM. User-Friendly Experience: Localcoin’s user-friendly interface makes INTERAC e-Transfer transactions straightforward and accessible. Secure and Reliable: Localcoin’s commitment to security remains unwavering. INTERAC e-Transfer transactions are conducted with the same level of robust security that users have come to expect from the platform. Sell your bitcoin for INTERAC e-Transfer with Localcoin, Today! How to Use Localcoin INTERAC e-Transfer Sell: Sell your Bitcoin (BTC) online and get an INTERAC e-Transfer straight to your bank account. “We are extremely excited to launch the INTERAC e-Transfer functionality at Localcoin. It’s all about making crypto transactions simpler and more approachable.” Said Jay Pandher, President of Localcoin. “Imagine selling your Bitcoin and getting funds directly into your bank account, all within a few taps. This step is a huge leap in our mission to make the world of digital currencies accessible to Canadians.” Experience the ease of Localcoin’s new INTERAC e-Transfer feature today and discover how you can effortlessly sell Bitcoin from home for Canadian Dollars.

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MakeShift Sponsors SAP® Partner Summit with Keynote by Edurne Pasabán

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Technological Advancements, Strategic Partnerships, and Legendary Inspiration at the SAP Partner Summit in Barcelona. CALGARY, AB, Feb. 13, 2024 /CNW/ – AppColony Inc., doing business as MakeShift, a leader in workforce management solutions, proudly announces its significant sponsorship of the 2024 SAP Partner Summit for SAP SuccessFactors. This event gathers SAP partners, industry leaders, and visionaries in Barcelona to forge the future of human capital management, emphasizing collaborative success and the strategic role of partnerships in unlocking new frontiers of opportunity, innovation, and efficiency. The summit will feature an extraordinary keynote by Edurne Pasabán, the celebrated mountaineer known for her remarkable achievements in conquering the world’s highest peaks. Pasabán’s story of resilience and strategic conquest mirrors MakeShift’s journey towards redefining workforce management through technological innovation and human-centric approaches. Adam Greenberg, CEO of MakeShift, reflects on the company’s growth and strategic vision: “As we amplify our engagement with SAP, our sponsorship at the SAP Partner Summit is a declaration of MakeShift’s commitment to transformative innovation and strategic expansion. By leveraging the partner ecosystem, we are not only expanding our global reach but also driving the next era of staff scheduling and human experience management with AI. Edurne Pasabán’s story of perseverance and success is a powerful metaphor for our journey and aspirations.” MakeShift’s vision for the future is rooted in being the vanguard of shift scheduling. The company champions the integration of advanced technology, such as its proprietary ShiftMate AI, with the essence of human-centric work experiences. This alignment signifies a disruption in traditional scheduling paradigms, recognizing it as a pivotal factor in enhancing work life. Asher Fredricks, Chief Revenue Officer of MakeShift, adds a new perspective on the company’s expansion: “Our growing global footprint, including a significant expansion within our existing client base with a leading Franco-Dutch airline group, showcases our dedication to addressing complex scheduling needs no matter where our clients reside. These include navigating labor union requirements, strict local regulations, and the intricacies of concurrent employments. Edurne’s story reminds us that growth demands unwavering determination and strategic partnerships. We are here to forge those connections and succeed together.” Recognized as a leader in scheduling technology by prestigious organizations like Gartner Digital Markets, G2, and Tech Times, MakeShift stands at the forefront of driving advancements in the industry. By optimizing workforce management, MakeShift gives people back valuable time to focus on what really matters, enhancing productivity and work-life balance. MakeShift is available on SAP Store® and is a part of SAP’s Industry Cloud Portfolio. It seamlessly integrates with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central, SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, and SAP SuccessFactors Time Tracking, while also complementing SAP Time and Attendance Management by Workforce Software. About MakeShift MakeShift (www.makeshift.ca) stands at the forefront of workforce management innovation, providing an award-winning, cloud-based solution for complex scheduling challenges. Renowned for its ability to navigate the intricate scheduling demands of regulated industries, MakeShift seamlessly adapts to stringent labor regulations, union agreements, and intense scheduling requirements. Since its launch in 2014, initially targeting the healthcare sector’s needs, MakeShift has broadened its impact, offering unparalleled ease of use, guided implementation, and robust features. Its commitment to excellence in functionality and customer support has garnered recognition from G2, Gartner Digital Markets, and Tech Times, establishing MakeShift as a leader in the scheduling technology arena. For more information on how MakeShift is transforming workforce management with its user-centric design and innovative platform, visit www.makeshift.ca. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

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Vezgo Surpasses Milestone with 300+ Integrations, Emerging as Premier Crypto Aggregator Amidst Shifting Industry Trends

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TORONTO, Feb. 8, 2024 /CNW/ – Vezgo, the most comprehensive crypto API for crypto exchanges and wallets, is proud to announce a milestone in its journey to become the industry’s go-to aggregator. With an unwavering commitment to providing connectivity and comprehensive solutions, Vezgo has successfully integrated with 35 centralized exchanges, 21 blockchains, and over 300 self-custody wallets. “Crypto adoption continues to grow and is becoming a part of more and more investors. It is incredibly important that there is connectivity to these investments so that investors can track them, file their taxes, and receive appropriate advice from their financial advisors,” said Jeff Matte, Managing Director of Vezgo. “Initially, Vezgo was built to allow users to track their crypto investments within Wealthica, Canada’s largest portfolio tracker with over $33 billion in aggregated assets. We then made Vezgo available globally to provide a single solution for all crypto integrations. Today, we have over 40 customers including investment trackers, tax software and compliance tools.” Positive Shifts in Industry Dynamics Amidst the dynamic changes in the cryptocurrency landscape, a transformative narrative is unfolding. Industry titans such as PayPal and Circle have already made significant announcements ahead of the recent approval of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States. PayPal has ventured into stablecoin creation and 11 ETFs tied to spot bitcoin debut in the U.S. These macro trends, coupled with a surge in compliance-focused crypto projects, have created an opportune environment for Vezgo to thrive. Vezgo – One API, All Crypto Integration With its unique B2B value proposition, Vezgo empowers end-users to seamlessly track their self-directed crypto investments across both Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) and self-custody wallets. The API’s versatility becomes even more apparent as it adapts to the evolving crypto landscape. In line with this achievement, Vezgo’s sister company, Wealthica, a well-known Mint alternative, recently announced the release of its Canadian Wealth API. Recognized as the largest Canadian investment API, Wealthica‘s offering extends beyond traditional investments to include the tracking of cryptocurrencies invested in Canadian exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Most Popular Use Cases: Secure and Compliant Vezgo is SOC 2 Type II certified. Data security and compliance are paramount. The Crypto API is designed with robust security measures to safeguard sensitive financial information. How to Get Started: Interested fintechs can freely access Vezgo’s Crypto API for testing. Developers can review the API documentation and the list of integrations. To receive your trial API keys, sign up on the Vezgo Client Portal, and for partnership opportunities, contact the sales team at hello@vezgo.com. About Vezgo With over 40 global customers, Vezgo is one of the largest crypto APIs. The company was founded in 2021 by the Wealthica team and has received investment from major players in the financial space, including Flinks. The mission is simple: To be the fastest way to connect digital assets & web3 accounts to apps to track entire crypto portfolios in a compliant manner (we are SOC 2 Type 2 certified).

Apps, Featured, Start ups

Best days to book and fly: Expedia releases the 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report

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TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2023 /CNW/ — Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report was released today, providing the latest essential tips to save travellers time and money on flights, and make air travel less stressful, from when to book, how to avoid cancellations and the best day to depart on your trip. The report comes at a time when travellers are beginning to plan their holiday getaways and are feeling overwhelmed in the process. According to a survey* of 1,000 Canadian flyers, Expedia found that 39% reported air travel to be stressful and more daunting than a flooded inbox or sleeping through an alarm. Almost half (43%) of air travellers find the process of securing a good flight deal especially stressful, and 17% even checked back on ticket prices after booking to see if they could have saved more. “In terms of stress levels, booking your next flight shouldn’t be in the same ballpark as getting a cavity filled,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations. “The good news is many of the things that contribute to travel stress are getting better, and Expedia is constantly releasing new tools like Price Tracking and Trip Planner, that make the whole booking and flying journey smoother.” “Airlines are adding capacity and increasing service to meet the sustained air travel demand we’ve seen throughout 2023,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Air travel has proven resilient over the past few years, with travellers increasingly taking to the skies for both business and leisure.” 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report WHEN TO BOOK Book airfare on a Sunday to save up to 24%.1 Travellers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 17% on domestic flights and 24% on international flights. Book domestic flights at least a month before to save 33%.2 Travellers that booked 25 days prior to departure saved 33% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute. For international airfare, avoid booking too early as prices are comparatively high 106 days out. However, prices also tend to increase 20 days prior to departure. For optimal availability, selection and savings, book 30-37 days out. WHEN TO TRAVEL Depart on a Thursday to save up to 13%.3 Avoid departing on Sundays, which are the priciest days, on average, to start a trip. Depart before 3 p.m. to reduce chance of cancellations.4 24% of Canadian air travellers try to avoid morning flights because getting up early on the day of travel gives them additional stress. However, year-to-date flight status data reveals flights that depart after 3 p.m. have an 18% higher chance, on average, of being cancelled than those that depart earlier in the day. MONEY-SAVING TOOLS Price Tracking: Take the guess work out of deciding when to book with the Price Tracking feature on the Expedia app, which notifies travellers when flight prices change, and uses exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book. Bundling: With flights, car rentals, hotels and activities, Expedia offers a wide selection of customizable vacation packages in one place, allowing travellers to save hundreds of dollars on average when booking multiple items on Expedia. Whether booking items together in the same transaction or in steps, travellers also have their itinerary all in one place making it easier to keep track of their journey. 2024 AIR TRAVEL TRENDS The number of scheduled long haul flights is nearly at 2019 levels (<5% less versus 2019) and the number of scheduled short haul flights is at 74% compared to 2019, overall increasing. Average economy ticket prices have decreased by up to 3% compared to 2022.5 Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary range among the most popular domestic destinations for Canadian flyers. The most popular international destinations are Las Vegas (USA), Cancun (Mexico) and New York City (USA). 6 The fastest growing destination, according to Expedia flight demand data, is Beijing in China.7 ABOUT THE DATA Expedia’s annual Air Travel Hacks Report is backed by an analysis of billions of data points and the most extensive air ticketing database in the world through collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and OAG, the world’s largest provider of flight information. Expedia has produced the Air Travel Hacks Report annually for more than a decade, making it the ultimate authority on air travel insights and data-driven travel tips. About ExpediaExpedia® is one of the world’s leading full-service travel brands, with a mission of helping travellers get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need all in one place, ensuring they are getting the most out of every trip they take, and above all else, feel supported every step of the way. Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale allows us to understand our travellers better than anyone else, delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our personalized experiences, backed by incredible technology enable us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across accommodations, transportation, activities and experiences that help you get the most out of your journey. Use our mobile app or visit www.expedia.ca to plan your journey with us. © 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company.  All rights reserved.  Expedia and the Airplane logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CST# 2029030-50. Follow Expedia on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. About Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)ARC accelerates the growth of global air travel by delivering forward-looking travel data, flexible distribution services and other innovative industry solutions. We are a leading travel intelligence company that possesses the world’s largest, most comprehensive global airline ticket dataset, including more than 15 billion passenger flights representing 490 airlines and 230 countries and territories. Our solutions and expertise strengthen economies and enrich lives by connecting stakeholders across the travel ecosystem. For more information, visit www.arccorp.com. About OAGOAG is the leading data platform for the global travel industry, powering the growth and innovation of the air travel ecosystem since 1929. It has the world’s largest network of flight information, covering the whole journey from planning to customer experience. Customers include airlines, airports, travel technology players, aviation service providers, government agencies, financial institutions, and consultancies. Headquartered in

Apps, Featured, Start ups

Homebase Bets Big on Canadian Tech Talent

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Leading hourly team management app invests in Canadian tech talent, doubling its local workforce (+104%) in the past year against a backdrop of volatility in the technology landscape. Company adds Canadian leaders to its Executive Office, including Chief Marketing Officer, Candy Lee, and Chief Technology Officer, Oliver Fisher, who together bring strategic expertise from Shopify, HelloFresh Canada and FreshBooks. Further strengthening product development capabilities, Homebase also welcomes VPs of Engineering Andrea Corey and Alamelu Radhakrishnan, bringing product development expertise from Freshbooks, Loblaw Digital and Shopify. Homebase also opened its first-ever Canadian outpost this month, with an 8,000 sq. ft. office located in downtown Toronto. TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Homebase, the all-in-one team management app that helps more than 100,000 local small businesses manage their hourly teams, makes big waves by investing in the Canadian technology industry. In the past year, the company has more than doubled its full-time workforce in Canada (+104%) and opened its first-ever office in downtown Toronto. Homebase has also supercharged its Executive Office with new, seasoned Canadian leadership, including Chief Marketing Officer, Candy Lee, and Chief Technology Officer, Oliver Fisher. Having held previous leadership roles at Shopify, HelloFresh Canada and Freshbooks, both Lee and Fisher bring deep expertise and strategic insight into growing and scaling big brand SaaS companies that serve small businesses and consumers. This investment is a strong signal of Homebase’s commitment to growth against the backdrop of an otherwise volatile technology sector. Beyond the Canadian team, the company has also grown headcount in the past year in the U.S. and beyond. Toronto is the newest Homebase office, joining other locations in San Francisco, Houston and Denver. “With our new leadership, Homebase is set firmly on a path to scale our business to new heights, and supercharge our product to help small business teams work better than ever. Our people make Homebase what it is and our growing Canadian team is critical to unlocking our potential to provide an unbeatable experience for local businesses,” said Homebase Founder & CEO, John Waldmann. Prior to joining Homebase, at HelloFresh Lee helped scale the subscription business multiple times over, nearly doubling revenue in her first year while securing a hard-fought market leadership position ahead of long-time competitors. Lee is committed to helping accelerate the trajectory of Homebase to empower the +100k small businesses on the app to make work easier. “Main Street businesses have traditionally been ignored by technology providers, so I’m thrilled to work with the team to rewrite the script and put great tech in the hands of unstoppable local businesses,” said Candy Lee, Homebase CMO. Furthermore, Fisher led international expansion efforts at Freshbooks and also helped grow Google’s Safebrowsing team in Montreal. As Director of Engineering at Shopify, Fisher also helped launch Shopify Capital to provide seamless liquidity to merchants based on their existing sales, impressively growing the business rapidly in about one year. “I’m incredibly excited to shape a lasting company that’s making an impact by driving small business growth,” said Oliver Fisher, Homebase CTO. “I’m focused on building a world-class engineering team that will enable us to develop features that serve customers faster and more efficiently. Establishing engineering talent in Canada is a key part of that strategy,” said Fisher. As growth and innovation remain core to Homebase’s mission, the company also welcomes two additional expert leaders with deep product development experience. Andrea Corey, with more than two decades of experience designing systems to scale at startups, including Freshbooks and Eloqua joins as VP of Engineering, Platform Engineering. Additionally, Alamelu Radhakrishnan, former Chief of Staff to Shopify CTO, rounds out the new leadership as VP of Engineering, Product Delivery. About Homebase:Great businesses are built on great teams. Great teams run on Homebase. Homebase makes work easier for 100,000+ small (but mighty) businesses with everything they need to build unstoppable hourly teams: employee scheduling, time clocks, payroll, team communication, hiring, onboarding, and compliance. Just don’t call us “Human Capital Management.” We’re an all-in-one team management app built for busiest businesses, so owners and employees can spend less time on bullsh*t and more time on what matters.To learn more, visit joinhomebase.com

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