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Days After Successful IPO, Fly-E Rings The Closing Nasdaq Bell And Celebrates E-Two-Wheel Market’s Future

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Ringing the opening or closing bell on the Nasdaq MarketSite is a rite of passage for a lucky few companies bestowed with that honor each year. It not only celebrates a company’s status as a public entity but showcases its strength in the market and with investors. Not to mention, it brings a little brand recognition. After all, the closing bell is broadcast on screens across the nation. Fly-E Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLYE), the maker of electric bikes, scooters, motorcycles and accessories, joined that elite club, with chairperson and CEO Andy Ou ringing the closing bell Wednesday. The gesture celebrated a successful startup that completed its initial public offering last week. It also comes at a time when the electric bike, scooter and motorcycle market is taking off. The global electric scooter market had a value of $24.67 billion last year and is predicted to reach $50.78 billion by 2032. Driving adoption is a push by governments around the world to curb emissions. With cities getting more crowded, hopping on an e-scooter or bike is not only greener, but a quick and easy way to get around. Fly-E Raises $9 Million From IPO In Fly-e’s IPO, the 2.25 million share offering was priced at $4 per share. The company, which raised $9 million in its IPO, granted underwriters a 30-day overallotment option to purchase an additional 337,500 shares at the IPO price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. Fly-e is using net proceeds from the offering to cover the purchase of inventory and production costs of its vehicles, the expansion of its retail stores, its technology, research and development initiatives, and for general corporate purposes. Started in 2018 and currently based in New York City, Fly-e is an electric vehicle company that is principally focused on designing, installing and selling smart electric motorcycles, electric bikes, electric scooters and related accessories under the brand “Fly E-Bike”. The company’s product line currently consists of 21 e-motorcycle products, 21 e-bike products and 34 e-scooter products, which it sells both online and through a network of 39 retail stores mainly in the U.S. The stores are strategically positioned in major metropolitan U.S. markets. In addition, Fly-e is opening locations in South America and Europe. Fly-e plans to expand its footprint of stores to other densely populated metro areas with some of the proceeds from its IPO. To keep costs down, most of the company’s manufacturing is handled in its China-based factories and assembled in the U.S. The goal is to become a leader in the electric two-wheel transportation market. High-Flying And Profitable While Fly-e is a high-flying growth IPO, its financials are much more stable than the run-of-the-mill startups that find profitability elusive as they chase growth. Fly-e reported $1.2 million in net income for the first nine months of 2023. Revenue grew 46% in the same time frame. Gross margins are 39% and the company is EBITDA and net profit positive. Fly-e attributes its margin strength to its growing maintenance, service business and accessories sales. That should increase further, along with an uptick of in-use bike counts, the company reports. All of this should be welcome news to its investors since cash-burning IPOs are losing their luster. Fly-e demonstrates a company can be an early-stage growth stock and still show financial discipline. The e-scooter, bike and motorcycle market is taking off, and Fly-e is emerging as an important player. It's a story investors may want to pay attention to. After all, the Nasdaq MarketSite certainly is. Featured photo by Nick Chong on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 14, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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How U Power (NASDAQ: UCAR) Is Addressing Key Concerns For Widespread EV Adoption – Including Range Anxiety And Charging Times

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Electric vehicles are growing in popularity as the world seeks a greener future. That’s true around the world with electric cars accounting for 18% of vehicles sold last year, up from just 2% five years ago. That growth could be even greater, but large-scale adoption of these emissions-free cars and trucks is proving elusive – something that is true in many countries. Range anxiety is a big reason. The fear of running out of battery life is too great for some consumers and fleet operators to overcome. Then there’s charging. It can take time to get the vehicle powered up, depending on the system and demand. U Power (NASDAQ: UCAR), the Nasdaq-listed EV power solution company, believes it has the solution to overcome those challenges and spur greater EV adoption across the globe. It is betting that UOTTA – its proprietary battery-swapping technology – can overcome range fears and eliminate any wasted time waiting for a vehicle to charge. This battery-swapping model is appealing because customers only need to pay for the vehicle when purchasing a vehicle through the battery bank. After that, they pay a monthly rental fee for the battery. Not only does this reduce the procurement cost of EVs but the rental and service fees for battery swapping during daily operations are 30% to 50% cheaper than fast charging. Since batteries are swapped out, it extends the lifespan of the batteries and protects the environment since the dismantling and recycling of the batteries after retirement complies with environmental policies. Speed Is Power With U Power’s advanced technology, consumers and fleet operators can replace dead EV batteries with fully charged ones in under five minutes. That removes the time challenges, and with swapping stations eventually located around the world, it eliminates the fear of running out of battery life. U Power isn’t your run-of-the-mill EV battery-swapping player, either. The company started out in 2013 as a vehicle-sourcing services company focused on lower-tier cities in China. Since then, U Power has forged partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers. Utilizing a distinctive financial model coupled with customized vehicle offerings, the company has filled the market gap beyond the 4S dealership network, establishing over 800 operational outlets across China. In 2017, U Power emerged as one of the earliest entrants into the new energy electric vehicle sales market. Leveraging market insights and accumulated experience, U Power pioneered the UOTTA battery-swapping technology in 2019. Collaborating with automotive manufacturers, the company introduced various models of battery-swapping vehicles for commercial use, successfully penetrating the market. Moreover, U Power is also a key contributor to the drafting of China's battery-swapping standards. With its industry influence and advantages, U Power achieved a milestone in 2023 by becoming the world's first publicly listed company specializing in electric vehicle battery-swapping technology. Since then, the company has been busy churning out new technology, securing 14 patents and 24 pending patent applications in China. Last year, it sold and delivered six battery-swapping stations to four customers. All told it has already sold eleven battery-swapping stations, and its solutions include UOTTA-powered EVs, battery-swapping stations and a data management platform synchronizing real-time data. U Power is also forging partnerships with Chinese automobile manufacturers to jointly develop commercial-use UOTTA-powered EVs, such as ride-hailing passenger EVs, small logistics EVs and light electric trucks. Major Collaborations Spurring Growth The company’s efforts towards forging partnerships were also on display recently with U Power inking a deal with Dutch electric vehicle company UNEX t o provide battery-swapping vehicles and swapping station services to Associação Nacional dos Transportes Rodoviários em Automóveis Ligeiros (ANTRAL), the association representing public passenger road transport companies operating light vehicles designated as taxis in Portugal. ANTRAL will use U Power’s UOTTA technology and battery swapping station model. Through the collaboration, the two aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector by 2030, in line with the European Union's decarbonization targets and Portugal's regulatory requirements for taxi vehicles. Combining U Power’s battery-swapping station model and UNEX’s extensive network and market know-how, U Power said the goal is to sell the taxi industry EVs and install charging and battery-swapping stations. The first phase of the agreement is expected to provide two swapping stations and 120 battery-swapping taxis. ANTRAL operates more than 1,000 taxis, covering over 80 million kilometers annually, with carbon emissions reaching 1,440 tons and fuel costs close to €10 million. By adopting UOTTA battery swapping services, U Power said related costs are expected to be reduced by 30-50%, aligning with the EU's goal of achieving 30 million "zero-emission" electric vehicles by 2030. "This collaboration between UNEX and ANTRAL that utilizes our UOTTA technology marks a significant stride towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing emissions. By combining our battery-swapping expertise with their commitment to decarbonization, we aim to facilitate the transition of taxi fleets from fossil fuels to electric mobility,” said Jia Li, Chairman and CEO of U Power. “This partnership highlights the global taxi industry's shift towards electrification, which will lead to reduced operational costs, increased driver earnings, and lower carbon footprints.” About 50,000 to 60,000 European taxis are expected to transition to electric vehicles in the next three to five years, presenting a big opportunity, reports U Power. Collaborations like that are behind the company’s revenue growth of 153.5% from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023. As U Power collaborates with more and more customers, it is building a brand and reputation in the market, which the company expects will drive further growth in the future. It is a big opportunity. The market size for battery swapping and electric commercial vehicles is projected to reach RMB 176,615.1 million in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 68.1% from now until then, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan, cited by U Power. Setting Its Sights Internationally Beyond its deal with ANTRAL, U Power is making inroads in other areas of its international expansion, including in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Peru. The company is focused on electrifying the commercial vehicle sector, particularly targeting urban taxis, buses, logistics vehicles, and transportation vehicles in mines. A crucial aspect of U Power's strategy is to collaborate with local industry-specific clients, integrating successful experiences from China with the specific demands of these clients. This approach involves systematizing the output of battery swapping stations, swapping vehicles, and battery banks, facilitating the rapid development of battery swapping services. In Peru, U Power just embarked on a collaborative pilot test with a Peruvian mining firm to evaluate electric heavy-duty vehicles on an established haulage route. This venture aims to identify an efficient substitute for traditional fuel-powered trucks, offering the potential to cut energy use and reduce operational costs, reports U Power. Then there’s its deal with Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited, a leading EV charging solution provider and charge point operator based in Hong Kong with an increasing presence across Southeast Asia. Under their memorandum of understanding, the two are jointly exploring and developing a strategic business relationship. “Through this collaboration, we believe our battery swapping stations will gain increased visibility in our target markets. We look forward to building a successful relationship that delivers sustainable value for our shareholders,” said Li. Even business with U Power’s existing customers is growing, underscoring the quality and innovative nature of its technology. Earlier this month, U Power announced it received a follow-on purchase order for its advanced dual-mode intelligent battery swapping stations from a major taxi operator in Jilin, China. These dual-mode intelligent battery swapping stations feature separate robotic guided vehicles (RGVs) for battery removal and installation. The use of robotics reduces the battery swapping time from between three to five minutes to two to three minutes. What’s more, U Power said the maintenance cycle of the swapping stations has been optimized, reducing weekly maintenance time by around six hours and enhancing operational efficiency by approximately 15%. As U Power transitions from a vehicle-sourcing business to providing comprehensive battery-swapping solutions based on its proprietary UOTTA technology, it is going beyond just selling battery-swapping equipment and vehicles, offering customers big and small an ecosystem of greener vehicle technology. The company is betting its technology and offering will play a pivotal role in making the world greener one fleet at a time. Featured photo by Ernest Ojeh on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 12, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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NOVUS INK Advisors and Solidus Capital Group Team-up to Serve Growing Transatlantic Commercial Interests of Mid-Market Enterprises

NOVUS INK Advisors

NOVUS INK Advisors and Solidus Capital Group signed a services agreement today to provide integrated senior advisory and execution services to small-and mid-market enterprises amid thriving commercial interests between the United States and Europe. The two firms aim to accelerate client services by combining expertise and resources to support growth into new markets, encompassing management counsel, valuation, performance tracking, board advisory, marketing, communication, public and government affairs. The collaboration will enable NOVUS INK Advisors and Solidus Capital Group to meet the unique needs of global small-and mid-market enterprise clients operating across business-to-consumer, business-to-business, and business-to-government segments. The transatlantic economy is proving remarkably robust in the face of global economic and geopolitical disruptions. No two other regions in the world are as deeply integrated as the United States and Europe, according to the 2024 Transatlantic Economy Report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AmCham EU, Johns Hopkins SAIS and the Transatlantic Leadership Network. The report states: "the $8.7 trillion transatlantic economy employs more than 16 million workers in mutually onshored jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. It is the largest and wealthiest market in the world, accounting for half of total global personal consumption and close to one-third of world GDP in purchasing power. Ties are solid in foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, banking claims, trade and affiliate sales in goods and services, digital links, energy, mutual R&D investment, patent cooperation, technology flows, and sales of knowledge-intensive services." The services agreement will be overseen by a committee chaired by Pia De Lima and Daniel Diaz, NOVUS INK Advisors' Managing Partners, and Andreas Dal Santo, Solidus Capital Group's Managing Director. NOVUS INK Advisors is based in Miami. Solidus Capital Group, affiliated with Atlantic Business Labs, is based in New York. NOVUS INK Advisors is a communication, public and government affairs lobbying firm. NOVUS INK Advisors' practice areas include Corporate, Band and Product Reputation, Business Strategy, Crisis and Reputation Risk, Financial Services, Investor Relations, Mergers & Acquisitions, Brand and Product Marketing Communications Strategy, and Public and Government Affairs. NOVUS INK Advisors is a registered lobbying firm. To learn more, visit: www.NovusInk.com. Solidus Capital Group specializes in management consulting, business valuation, and board advisory services for firms expanding into North America, Latin America, and Europe. It is spearheading an ecosystem of companies, consultants, and subject matter experts with experience from different industries and regions to support corporate and institutional clients' global strategies and growth into new markets. To learn more, visit www.solidus-capital.com. CONTACTS: NOVUS INK Advisors: client.services@NovusInk.com Solidus Capital Group: client.services@Solidus-Capital.com Contact Details NOVUS INK Advisors Client Services client.services@NovusInk.com Company Website https://www.novusink.com/about

June 11, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Shareholder Proposal Seeks Reevaluation of Exec. Incentives for EVs at GM

NLPC

On June 4, National Legal and Policy Center will present a shareholder proposal at the General Motors Company advocating for GM’s board of directors to reevaluate the electric vehicle expansion targets included in its executive compensation packages. The proposal, identified as Item No. 5 on the 2024 proxy ballot, argues that GM’s focus on electric vehicles is misaligned with both the market demand for EVs and the economic realities the company faces. Last month NLPC filed a proxy memo with the Securities and Exchange Commission that explains its rationale for the proposal. GM, like many in energy-intensive sectors, has increasingly aligned its corporate strategies with a poorly substantiated, government-subsidized, and corporate media-amplified “scientific consensus” that carbon emissions will result in catastrophic effects to the planet, and to humans. These scenarios are increasingly unlikely, yet the corporate media continues to portray them as the default. Supposedly, this climate crisis can only be averted if governments and consumers adopt environmentally friendly technology, such as electric vehicles, en masse. However, electric vehicles aren’t good for the environment. Even with government subsidies, they’re expensive and unprofitable. Further, consumers don’t want to make the switch. Luke Perlot, Associate Director of NLPC's Corporate Integrity Project, stated, “Our proposal encourages a reassessment of GM’s current executive compensation incentives, which overly prioritize electric vehicle production without adequate consideration of the associated economic, environmental, and ethical risks. Instead, the company should remove these incentives and give its executive team the opportunity to pursue growth strategies without political bias.” Key Details of the Proposal: Misalignment with Market Realities: Despite substantial investments and executive incentives, the anticipated demand for EVs has not materialized at the projected scale. An open letter to President Biden signed by over 5,000 auto dealerships warned of lack of demand for EVs. Economic Viability and Subsidy Dependence: GM's profitability in the EV sector is heavily reliant on government subsidies, which are subject to political changes and could be repealed as early as 2025. Without these subsidies, the division’s path to achieving positive pre-tax earnings, currently projected for no sooner than 2025, appears increasingly precarious. Environmental and Ethical Challenges: The extraction and processing of rare-earth elements, crucial for these batteries, are predominantly concentrated in regions with poor environmental and labor standards. This not only leads to severe ecological damage, but also involves significant human rights abuses, including forced labor. Further, these elements are primarily processed in China, a geopolitical adversary of the United States. “Consumers still want internal combustion engine vehicles,” Perlot added, “and GM’s competitors are making substantial investments to meet their demand. The company cannot afford to be left behind because of misguided incentives.” Founded in 1991, the National Legal and Policy Center promotes ethics in public life through research, investigation, education and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

June 03, 2024 11:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NAFA’s Second Annual Fleet Safety Symposium: Uniting Fleet Professionals for Safer Roads

NAFA Fleet Management Association

Safety is critical in the fleet industry, and NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is dedicated to advancing safety standards across the board. In support of this commitment, NAFA is hosting its second annual Fleet Safety Symposium, "Enhancing Fleet Safety: An Interactive Fleet Safety Event," from June 24-26 at Oakton Community College in Chicago, IL. “The Fleet Safety Symposium is a cornerstone of NAFA’s commitment to promoting safety in fleet management. This event is designed to provide our members with practical strategies and tools to implement effective safety practices within their operations,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “We look forward to seeing the collaborative efforts of our participants as they work together to enhance safety standards across the industry.” Building on last year’s success, this year’s symposium introduces new, cutting-edge content aimed at addressing the evolving challenges in fleet operations. Participants will engage in interactive sessions focused on enhancing safety awareness, mitigating risks and fostering a culture of safety excellence. Jerry Curl, Chief Operating Officer at G&D Trucking Inc./Hoffman Transportation LLC, will help lead the symposium, guiding attendees through the event and driving insightful discussions. Fleet Safety Symposium Highlights and Key Features: Interactive Sessions: Engage in dynamic discussions designed to enhance safety awareness and mitigate risks. “Trip Up the Expert” Session: Challenge industry experts to uncover blind spots and develop innovative solutions to safety challenges. Expert-Led Discussions: Participate in thought-provoking conversations and real-world case studies. Hands-On Activities and Group Exercises: Experience practical training that fosters a proactive approach to safety management. Focus Areas: Safety Planning Safety Culture Safety Tools and Technologies Safety Policy Implementation This event will provide attendees with the tools, strategies and insights needed to drive positive change within their fleet operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of drivers, vehicles and communities. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.nafa.org/events/fleetsafetysymposium/ NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

May 30, 2024 02:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Halving of BTFS Storage Rewards

BitTorrent

Singapore, May 28, 2024 – To sustain the growth and success of the BitTorrent ecosystem, BTFS is set to implement a halving on the next round of rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network. From 00:00 (UTC) June 25, 2024, the daily rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network will be halved from 15 billion BTT to 7.5 billion BTT. The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is a decentralized file storage system that utilizes blockchain technology and peer-to-peer transmission. It allows users to store their files across multiple nodes in a distributed manner, enhancing file security and reliability. BTFS also offers rapid file transfer and access, giving users greater convenience in managing and sharing files. By integrating key features of the BitTorrent Chain (BTTC), such as cross-chain connectivity and multichannel payment options, BTFS significantly enhances user experience. Currently, the BTFS network is experiencing rapid growth with over 8 million nodes across the network, including more than 6 million super miners, according to BTFS SCAN. To support the efficient operations of these nodes, BTFS initiated a rewards program and has provided an aggregate of 25 trillion BTT since the launch of BTFS Mainnet in 2019. Every two years, the BTFS rewards halving will occur causing the rewards for all storage miners across the network to be cut in half. (Halving roadmap) Moreover, halving will also prompt miners to improve node performance by optimizing node operation and reducing waste. In addition, an upgrade of the official website for the BTFS technical community and the release of BTFS v3.0 Mainnet will be scheduled in sync with the halving. These developments are expected to improve the efficiency of the BTFS protocol, expand the user base, and enhance its overall functionality. Looking ahead, BTFS is committed to continuously refining its storage rewards strategies. The goal is to expand the network of nodes participating in file storage on BTFS, providing developers with an efficient, secure, and reliable storage solution boosting both the capacity and the transaction efficiency of the BTTC network. About BTFS The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is both a protocol and a web application that provides a content-addressable peer-to-peer mechanism for storing and sharing digital content in a decentralized file system, as well as a base platform for decentralized applications (Dapp). The BTFS team has been working on the latest network operations and BTT market sentiment, etc., to make a series of dynamic adjustments such as upload prices and airdrop reward schemes. About BitTorrent Founded with a leading peer-to-peer sharing technology standard in 2004, BitTorrent, Inc. is a consumer software company based in San Francisco. Its protocol is the largest decentralized P2P network in the world, driving 22% of upstream and 3% of downstream traffic globally. Its flagship desktop and mobile products, BitTorrent and µTorrent, enable users to send large files over the internet, connecting legitimate third-party content providers with users. With over 100 million active users, BitTorrent products have been installed on over 1 billion devices in over 138 countries worldwide. Since November 2018, TRON (TRX), Binance (BNB), and Bitcoin (BTC) holders have the opportunity to purchase one-year subscriptions of BitTorrent or µTorrent products, including Ads Free and Pro for Windows. Pro includes anti-virus and anti-malware screening, file converting and playability in HD. Users can visit bittorrent.com or utorrent.com to learn more. Website | Telegram | Medium | X | Media Contact John Chen press@bittorrent.com Contact Details John Chen press@bittorrent.com

May 28, 2024 07:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Ilika CEO highlights strong 2024 financial performance and key developments

Ilika PLC

Ilika PLC CEO Graeme Purdy discusses the company’s positive trading update for the year to 30 April 2024 with Proactive London’s Stephen Gunnion. The company expects to announce revenues of approximately £2.1 million from £0.7 million a year earlier and ended the period with cash and cash equivalents of £11.9 million, providing a solid foundation for future operations. Key highlights included a ten-year licensing agreement with Cirtec Medical LLC in the US to commercialise miniature batteries for medical devices and wireless sensors. Additionally, Ilika announced a 12-month collaboration with the Tata Group’s Agratas to develop Goliath cells, aiming for a 50 amp-hour battery by the first half of 2025. The company’s financial position is supplemented by a recent £1.7 million capital raise aimed at advancing the Goliath programme. Planned investments include upgrading dry room capabilities to handle moisture-sensitive materials and enhancing testing equipment for larger battery prototypes. Purdy also provided an update on the Stereax production line, noting significant progress at the Massachusetts facility, with equipment commissioning and qualification underway. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

May 17, 2024 02:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Surf Air Mobility Beats Revenue Guidance and Appoints Former Bombardier Flexjet Exec as New Interim CEO

MarketJar

Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM), a leading regional air mobility platform, just announced its incoming interim-CEO, Deanna White, a leading pioneer in the aviation industry. 1 Deanna, Surf Air Mobility ’s former CFO and current Senior Advisor, will become full time Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO for Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM). Deanna White brings years of executive experience in aviation and a proven commitment to transforming flight. This news also marks a significant milestone for the aviation space, which is primarily a male-dominated industry. Deanna is the perfect choice to guide Surf Air Mobility into the future as the company turns its focus to profitability and efficiency. Her unparalleled depth of experience in the aviation industry, combined with her intimate knowledge of Surf Air Mobility and the broader opportunity, positions her to lead the company towards new heights. Since joining Surf Air Mobility in 2021, she has made valuable and long-lasting contributions as both CFO and Senior Advisor of the company. Deanna’s previous experience in both emerging aviation technologies and private charter operations makes her an amazing fit. She has served as COO at Kittyhawk, which was sold during her tenure to Boeing and has subsequently been rebranded as Wisk Aero, where she led the business operations and commercialization of an R&D eVTOL aircraft program. She was also CEO of Bombardier Flexjet, a global leader in private aviation, which was ultimately sold to Directional Aviation Capital for $185 million. Deanna is a seasoned industry leader, blending an intimate knowledge of Surf Air Mobility and its people with an unparalleled depth of experience in the aviation industry. She has a proven track record of success in the C-Suite of multiple innovative companies across the Air Mobility sector. Her previous experience in C-level positions at Bombardier Flexjet and Kittyhawk, continues to guide and inspire her as she leads Surf Air Mobility into its next chapter. This new phase will balance growth and opportunity with profitability, as Deanna reshapes the industry and realizes Surf Air Mobility ’s massive potential. In a CEO transition, Stan Little, the founder of Southern Airways and current Surf Air CEO, will move to a "Founder’s" role. Surf Air Mobility also provided financial and business highlights for the first quarter of 2024. The company is making progress on key initiatives, including supporting 19 communities under the Essential Air Service program and entering into an MOU to supply electric powertrains to Tanzanian Cessna Caravan operator Auric Air. The aircraft electrification program is on track to complete the conceptual design phase by the fourth quarter of 2024, and software development for B2C and B2B platforms is ongoing. To enhance its capital structure, Surf Air Mobility has engaged a leading investment bank to secure additional, non-dilutive or less-dilutive capital in the form of a credit facility. Congress is expected to imminently pass the FAA Reauthorization Act, which, in its current form, would positively impact the Essential Air Service (“EAS”) program by raising the subsidy cap from a maximum of $200 per passenger to a maximum of at least $650 per passenger. As of March 31, Surf Air Mobility supported 19 communities under the EAS program. The FAA Reauthorization Act requires the total cost of an air carrier's proposal to be equally weighted with other factors such as local recommendations, including frequency of service, and interline agreements. This focus on cost favors Surf Air Mobility’s low-cost Caravan fleet. Stan Little, founder of Southern Airways, highlighted that Surf Air Mobility achieved many first-quarter goals and met or exceeded guidance. He noted their collaboration with Congressional leaders from both parties to reform and expand the Essential Air Service program, aiming to benefit passengers, commuter air carriers, and taxpayers. Additionally, the company continued its electrification efforts, which are designed to benefit all stakeholders. For more information on the company’s first quarter financial results and outlook, visit investors.surfair.com. Surf Air Mobility Advances Regional Air Travel Through Electrification Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM), headquartered in Los Angeles, is dedicated to transforming regional air travel through electrification. The company partners with commercial leaders to develop innovative powertrain technology for smaller aircraft, with the goal of making regional flying more accessible and affordable while reducing environmental impact. Supported by a management team with expertise in aviation, electrification, and consumer technology, Surf Air Mobility is at the forefront of sustainable air travel innovation. In March, Surf Air Mobility signed an agreement with Auric Air Services Ltd. to upgrade up to 12 of their Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with Surf Air ’s electrified powertrains, aiming to lower emissions and reduce operating costs. Auric Air, a Tanzania-based regional air operator, will be among the first to benefit from Surf Air 's technology once it is certified. This agreement marks a significant milestone for Surf Air, as it now has agreements covering approximately 13% of the Cessna Caravan market in Africa for electrified powertrain upgrades. Surf Air is currently developing Supplemental Type Certifications for both hybrid and fully-electric variants of the Cessna Grand Caravan. The company aims to achieve up to 50% reduction in direct operating costs and 100% reduction in carbon emissions for the fully-electric powertrain, which could have a profound impact on the aviation industry worldwide. This agreement with Auric Air follows similar agreements with other large Cessna Caravan operators in East Africa and Brazil. In February, Surf Air Mobility and Electra.aero Inc., a next-gen aerospace company, partnered to introduce affordable, sustainable, and easily accessible regional air travel. They plan to leverage Electra’s hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft on Surf Air ’s technology-driven, on-demand air mobility platform, and through Surf Air ’s Aircraft-as-a-Service (ACaaS) offering to air operators. Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM) has secured early delivery positions for 90 Electra eSTOL aircraft, which will be integrated into the Surf Air national flight network, including Southern Airways Express and Mokulele Airlines. This initiative aligns with Surf Air ’s goal of supporting the launch, growth, and optimization of new electrified aircraft through its platform. The Electra eSTOL aircraft’s remarkable ability to take off and land in as little as 150 feet will enable direct-to-destination air transportation, expanding regional transportation to a broader customer base beyond what private aviation currently serves. Click on this link or read their corporate presentation to learn more about Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM). Footnotes: [1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/surf-air-mobility-reports-first-200500326.html Disclosure: 1) The author of the Article, or members of the author’s immediate household or family, do not own any securities of the companies outlined in this Article. The author determined which companies would be included in this article based on research and understanding of the sector. 2) The Article was issued on behalf of and sponsored by, Surf Air Mobility Inc. Market Jar Media Inc. was paid $1,500 for the production and publishing of this article by Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.). Additional details relating to Market Jar Media Inc.’s engagement by Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.) are set out in https://pressreach.com/disclaimer-srfm. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not Market Jar Media Inc., its directors or officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Market Jar Media Inc. for this Article. Market Jar Media Inc. was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this Article. Market Jar has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of Market Jar or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. 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May 16, 2024 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Graphite and Critical Mineral Mining Boosted by $72B Fund

Graphite One Inc

The Biden administration has clarified that mining projects focused on extracting critical minerals like graphite, lithium, and cobalt are eligible for federal loan guarantees worth $72 billion. This announcement aims to support the domestic mining sector and strengthen energy and supply chains. This is welcome news to companies like Graphite One Inc (TSX-V: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF) which is actively addressing the domestic graphite supply shortfall in a bid to support the technology revolution. Graphite One (G1) is advancing the development of the largest graphite deposits in the United States. It has already secured two major grants from the US Department of Defense (DoD) and aims to establish a vertically integrated enterprise that mines, processes, and produces anode materials, mainly for the US lithium-ion EV battery market. To be eligible for a loan guarantee under Title 17, a project must be energy-related and located within the United States, including its territories. It must also demonstrate the ability to significantly reduce, utilize, or sequester greenhouse gases and air pollutants. The technology used should be commercially viable, and the project should have a credible repayment plan. Additionally, the application must include a community benefits analysis. Graphite One ticks the main boxes for this type of support and obtaining a loan guarantee would be a significant catalyst for the company to accelerate its graphite project. Access to additional financial backing would enable Graphite One to quickly advance its operations, boosting its role in establishing a secure domestic graphite supply chain. The Department of Energy has emphasized the need for increased mining activity due to China's dominance in this industry and the growing demand for critical minerals. The concentration of supply chains in a few countries, particularly China, poses risks and challenges for investors, businesses, and the United States as a whole. These risks include economic vulnerability, weakened energy security, and reliance on precarious foreign sources that may not adhere to high environmental or labor standards. To address these issues, the Biden administration encourages further mining exploration and development within the United States. Graphite One Inc. (TSX-V: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF) is strategically positioning itself to meet the surging demand for graphite, a key component in lithium-ion batteries and various technological manufacturing processes. As the adoption of lithium-ion batteries gains momentum, the demand for graphite is expected to see a dramatic increase, with projections of a 494% growth of the graphite market by 2050. The Graphite One project, being the Graphite Creek Property, includes plans for an anticipated manufacturing plant for graphite materials and battery anodes, as well as a recycling facility to recover graphite and other battery components. These facilities will be situated in Ohio and will be integrated with the development of the Graphite Creek Property in Alaska. The United States, which currently relies entirely on imports for its graphite needs, views the Graphite Creek Property as a vital solution. G1 has received considerable funding from the DoD, and its Graphite Creek project is designed to produce large amounts of battery-grade graphite to help fill a significant gap in national defense reserves. A feasibility study is currently anticipated to be completed by the end of the year 2024. Additionally, the company is working on developing a graphite and graphene-based foam fire suppressant, positioned as a safer alternative to PFAS fire-suppressant materials, in compliance with U.S. regulations. It is believed considerable effort by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, including legislation she authored, contributed to the availability of the $72 billion loan. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has since updated its Title 17 loan guarantee program guidelines to include eligibility for U.S. mines that produce critical minerals. This adjustment allows these projects to access low-cost financing to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imported minerals. Furthermore, Senator Murkowski has also publicly declared her support for Graphite One’s business plan in the past. Graphite is counted among the official US Government-listed Critical Minerals that require secure supply lines, positioning Graphite One as a strong candidate for eligibility under this federal loan guarantee program. The Graphite Creek Property, managed by G1, features the largest known natural flake graphite deposit in the U.S., encompassing 176 mining claims across over 23,600 acres. Last year, the United States Geological Survey recognized it as one of the world's largest graphite deposits. The Biden administration's decision to support mining projects for critical minerals emphasizes its commitment to revitalizing the domestic mining industry. It’s expected the DOE's new stance will enhance national security and economic stability by supporting responsible mineral extraction that adheres to stringent environmental and labor standards. Investing in critical mineral mining contributes to long-term resource security for the United States. By boosting domestic mining capabilities, investors can help secure a stable supply of critical minerals, reducing dependence on foreign countries like China. This enhances national economic stability and reduces potential risks associated with supply chain disruptions. Learn all about Graphite One and its plans to solidify a US graphite supply with an all-American battery materials supply chain solution. IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER PAID ADVERTISEMENT This communication is a paid advertisement. 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May 15, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time