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RAAPID raises series A from M12, Microsoft Venture Fund to Transform Healthcare Risk Adjustment

Rev Up Marketers

RAAPID, a Louisville-based healthcare technology company, raised its Series A funding round from M12, Microsoft Venture Fund. The investment aims to expand the deployment of end-to-end AI-powered risk adjustment solutions in healthcare, addressing the challenge of processing unstructured medical data. RAAPID’s proprietary VisionAI technology ingests, normalizes, and converts structured and unstructured data into machine-readable, machine-understandable, and machine-consumable formats. This enables healthcare organizations to better manage prospective risk adjustment and value-based care initiatives. The AI-powered solution streamlines both pre-visit analysis and retrospective reviews, helping organizations optimize their risk adjustment programs. The company reports its technology can reduce chart review time by over 60% while maintaining 95% coding accuracy. The investment comes when healthcare organizations increasingly seek solutions to manage risk in value-based care arrangements. RAAPID's technology serves organizations participating in Medicare Advantage, ACA, Medicare ACO, and health systems. "This investment from Microsoft validates our mission to transform risk adjustment in healthcare through purpose-built AI technology," said Chetan Parikh, Founder and CEO of RAAPID. "Working with Microsoft's venture arm will accelerate our ability to dramatically impact the inherent inefficiencies of unstructured clinical records within risk adjustment to liberate more payers and healthcare organizations to accurately capture patient risk and improve the timeliness of clinical care- the foundation of value-based care." The platform's capabilities address a significant industry challenge, as more than 70% of medical records are currently only available as human-readable unstructured data. This format often leads to coding errors and inconsistent capture of reimbursement information. RAAPID's solution integrates with existing electronic health record systems, focusing on improving operational efficiency in data processing and analysis. The company's technology aims to enhance coding compliance, reduce errors, and optimize return on investment for healthcare organizations. The healthcare technology sector has seen increased interest from venture capital firms, particularly in solutions that address the growing adoption of value-based care models. This investment signals continued momentum in developing AI healthcare administration and risk management applications. M12 (Microsoft Venture Fund), which focuses on enterprise software companies emphasizing applied AI and business applications, adds RAAPID to its portfolio of healthcare technology investments. The venture fund's backing includes access to Microsoft's broader ecosystem, which could accelerate RAAPID's market expansion in the healthcare risk adjustment space. Contact Details RAAPID INC Mayur Vyas marketing@raapidinc.com Company Website https://www.raapidinc.com/

January 18, 2025 05:49 AM Eastern Standard Time

Merit Teacher Introduces Innovative Solutions in Career Counseling, Psychometric Testing, and DMIT Services

Rev Up Marketers

Merit Teacher, a leader in educational and career development solutions, is proud to announce the expansion of its services to include cutting-edge career counseling, psychometric testing, and Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Testing (DMIT) under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Priyanka Swain. With a mission to empower individuals through personalized education and career guidance, Merit Teacher is setting a new standard in holistic learning and personal development. This corporate milestone marks a strategic step forward in addressing the diverse needs of students, professionals, and educators. Through advanced methodologies and tailored programs, Merit Teacher reaffirms its commitment to fostering growth and unlocking potential. Merit Teacher empowers individuals through career counseling, psychological services, and skill-building initiatives. Services include the Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Test (DMIT), which identifies innate talents and strengths to guide effective career paths, and psychometric testing, offering insights into personality, aptitude, and career alignment. Merit Teacher also provides comprehensive programs in spoken English and public speaking, aimed at building confidence, articulation, and communication skills. Moreover, Merit Overseas offers a wide range of services designed to empower individuals and organizations through specialized divisions. By providing personalized counseling, application guidance, and expert advice for students aspiring to study abroad, this service streamlines the global education journey, ensuring a seamless experience for learners. Additionally, HRDynamo specializes in recruitment and corporate training solutions tailored to help organizations thrive. By identifying top talent and fostering professional growth, HRDynamo delivers end-to-end recruitment services and dynamic training programs. These programs are designed to enhance workplace skills, leadership capabilities, and team performance. “Our goal is to empower individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in life. By expanding our services, we aim to meet the unique challenges of a fast-changing world and support our clients every step of the way,” said Mrs. Priyanka Swain, CEO of Merit Teacher. Merit Teacher excels in education and career development through innovation, scientific rigor, and personalized solutions. With services like psychometric testing and DMIT, backed by experienced professionals, it offers expert guidance to students, professionals, and educators. As a one-stop solution, Merit Teacher empowers personal and professional growth. About Mrs. Priyanka Swain: Mrs. Priyanka Swain’s impressive qualifications, including a BA in Psychology, Economics, and Sociology, an MSc in Psychology, and advanced certifications such as CIDTT and a Clinical Psychology program, showcase her dedication to learning and development. With expertise in education, recruitment, and professional training, she delivers innovative and impactful solutions. About Merit Teacher: Merit Teacher’s expanded services cater to a diverse audience, from school students to working professionals and educators. Whether it’s identifying the right career path, building confidence through public speaking, or enhancing teaching methodologies, Merit Teacher offers solutions that drive meaningful change. By staying at the forefront of educational innovation, the company can adapt its offerings to evolving needs, ensuring relevance and effectiveness. https://maps.app.goo.gl/cr434q6kej9XnCCg6?g_st=ac Contact Details Merit Teacher and Merit Overseas Mrs. Priyanka Swain priyanka@meritteacher.com Company Website https://www.meritteacher.com/

January 18, 2025 05:24 AM Eastern Standard Time

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BTCS Is In Expansion Mode, Utilizing Rocket Pool To Potentially Boost Revenue By Up To 10%

Benzinga

by Meg Flippin Benzinga BTCS Inc. (NASDAQ: BTCS), a blockchain infrastructure and technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its Ethereum blockchain infrastructure operations, deployed its Scaled Validator Implementation Plan this week, which the company says should boost vertically integrated validator revenue by 10%, improve margins and enhance its position in the sector. “This initiative represents a pivotal step toward our goal of scaling blockchain infrastructure to drive revenue growth,” said Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS. “Our comprehensive approach ensures we prioritize security, compliance and performance at every stage. This initiative underscores our dedication to enhancing our operations while delivering value to our shareholders.” Rocket Pool For The Win The Scaled Validator Implementation Plan details BTCS’s strategy to leverage Rocket Pool, a decentralized Ethereum-based liquid staking protocol, to expand its validator operations. Over the past five months, BTCS conducted an extensive due diligence process to assess Rocket Pool’s auditability, compliance, risk factors and overall infrastructure integrity. This strategic approach enables BTCS to access more blockspace and unlock additional revenue opportunities through Rocket Pool’s liquid staking protocol. By integrating this scalable solution, BTCS aligns with its mission to drive sustainable growth and enhance its position in Ethereum innovation. Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source platform powered by blockchain technology, designed to enable the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). As a global, programmable infrastructure, Ethereum serves as the foundation for a wide range of use cases, transforming industries such as finance, gaming and more. Users rely on companies like BTCS, which operate builders and validators, to ensure their transactions are securely confirmed and added to the blockchain. No Stranger To Blockchain BTCS, which came on the scene in 2014, reports that it is a pioneer in the blockchain technology space and claims to be the first U.S. publicly traded company focused on next-generation blockchain infrastructure. BTCS says its sharp focus on blockchain infrastructure sets it apart from other blockchain, crypto and Bitcoin-focused companies, giving investors access to a pure play. “Our primary objective is to fuel scalable growth by expanding into various business lines that capitalize on and integrate with our foundational and robust blockchain infrastructure operations,” the company states on its website. In 2021 BTCS shifted its focus to Ethereum, the second-largest blockchain, and began operating validator nodes. Early last year, BTCS expanded its business into Ethereum block building with the introduction of Builder+. In a blockchain network, a validator node is a software that verifies and confirms the legitimacy of transactions before they can be added to the blockchain. Validator nodes are responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of the network by making sure the transaction adheres to the protocol rules and isn’t fraudulent. Validators are rewarded if they confirm legitimate transactions but can be penalized and lose staked tokens if they violate network protocols or are offline. Scaled Validator Node Operations Expanding BTCS’ Scaled Validator Implementation Plan included a thorough assessment of auditability, compliance, cybersecurity, infrastructure integrity and potential business risks and rewards. The aim was to ensure a secure and scalable validator implementation. As part of its review, BTCS said it completed a pilot program, which now expanded to 320 validators participating in Rocket Pool’s liquid staking pool, bringing its total validator count up to 522 from the previously disclosed 240. This marks a significant step in expanding the company’s validator node operations, reports BTCS. Based on an internal analysis, BTCS projects vertically integrated validator revenue increases of up to 10%, which it says will boost its position in the sector. The aim of the Validator Implementation Plan is to optimize the number of active validators and increase total revenue, reinforcing BTCS’s commitment to scaling operations efficiently and maximizing profitability, the company said. Besides Ethereum, BTCS operates validator nodes on other proof-of-stake and delegated proof-of-stake networks, and the company plans to broaden its validator partnerships and also diversify its technology providers to support long-term growth. By securing various other blockchain networks, BTCS earns revenue through validator fees, offering what the company describes as substantial growth potential. “I firmly believe that Ethereum infrastructure—focused on block-building and validation— presents the most compelling growth opportunity I’ve ever witnessed in the crypto space, surpassing even the early days of Bitcoin mining in 2017,” wrote Allen in a recent letter to shareholders. “Ethereum block-building and validation offers exceptional revenue growth potential without high capital constraints. Going forward we aim to be the leading Ethereum blockchain infrastructure company and are currently the only pure-play, publicly traded company focused on this strategy.” Featured photo by Traxer on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. 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 is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 17, 2025 08:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Soligenix Targets Psoriasis With New Therapy

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Its softness allows for movement and flexibility, yet it is also durable enough to typically resist breaking or tearing. As one of the body’s more versatile organs, it serves multiple functions, such as being the first line of defense against bacteria and other organisms. However, the skin has another vital role as an indicator of good health; if someone is sick, it often shows in their skin. Soligenix, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNGX), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat rare diseases and areas of unmet medical need, is utilizing its pharmaceutical expertise to tackle psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition that causes itchiness and discomfort. Psoriasis Explained Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation, exacerbated by T-cells of the adaptive immune system (autoimmune response). Symptoms include thick areas of discolored skin covered with scales called plaques. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can flare up unexpectedly. Presently, there is no cure for this condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 125 million people worldwide suffer from this condition, with more than 8 million of them being in the U.S. Psoriasis has several types, each manifesting on the body and affecting individuals differently. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type; about 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. Most psoriasis patients have mild or moderate forms of the disease. The former means less than 3% of the body surface area is involved, while the latter usually involves between 3% and 10%. Disease involving more than 10% of body surface area is generally classified as severe. The implications of having psoriasis are not purely aesthetic, as it can decrease a patient’s quality of life including itchiness, dry, cracked skin that can be susceptible to infection and potentially anxiety relating to appearance. Psoriasis can also be associated with cardiovascular, arthritic and metabolic diseases, as well as anxiety, depression and suicide. Psoriasis itself can evolve into chronic inflammatory arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. In addition, individuals with severe psoriasis can have an increased risk of lymphoma, like cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Soligenix’s Treatment Of Psoriasis Generally, treatment for psoriasis is predicated on its severity. The primary objective in treating psoriasis is to reduce the rate at which skin cells grow and divide and to remove the scales. Treatments can be divided into topical treatments, light therapy (phototherapy or photodynamic therapy) and systemic (oral or injected) medications. Soligenix’s product offering for treating psoriasis is SGX302. This treatment utilizes photodynamic light therapy and synthetic hypericin to treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Hypericin is renowned for its antimicrobial properties, including activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses. SGX302’s treatment methodology involves applying an ointment to the affected areas and utilizing a visible light to activate it. Soligenix reports that synthetic hypericin tends to accumulate in T-cells. When synthetic hypericin is activated, it creates oxygen radicals, which subsequently kill the targeted T-cells, Soligenix says. Soligenix reports that clinical studies with SGX302 have found it safe and efficacious in treating the disease. The press release regarding the phase 2a study noted that all patients tolerated SGX302 therapy well, and no drug-related adverse events were identified. Furthermore, the Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index (PASI) score, another well-characterized measure of treatment success, had a mean drop of approximately 50% over the 18-week treatment for patients in cohort 2. Regarding the success of their clinical studies and the learnings gathered, Christopher J. Schaber, PhD, president and CEO of Soligenix, has stated, "We are pleased with the preliminary findings from our ongoing Phase 2a trial. Current estimates show as many as 60-125 million people worldwide living with the condition, with a global treatment market valued at approximately $15 billion in 2020 and projected to reach as much as $40 billion by 2027. The success of HyBryte™ in targeting malignant T-cells during CTCL clinical trials is a promising indicator of the ability of SGX302 to provide a much-needed approach for the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis, also caused by dysregulated T-cells." Soligenix says it is making material and meaningful progress in treating psoriasis. As the firm progresses in tackling psoriasis and other rare diseases, it hopes to establish a distinct value proposition in the market. For more information on Soligenix's recent stock performance, click here. Featured photo by Louis Reed 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 is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 17, 2025 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Graze Robotics Announces Production Launch of Next-Generation Autonomous Mower

Graze Robotics

Graze Robotics (“Graze” or the “Company”), a leader in autonomous, electric mowing solutions, is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of its redesigned, commercial-grade robotic mower. Engineered for unparalleled performance, precision, and sustainability, this new model is set to change large-scale landscaping across diverse industries. Reimagined for Market Leadership Graze’s next-generation mower has been rebuilt from the ground up to address high-demand use cases, including golf course greenkeeping, solar farm maintenance, and commercial airfield vegetation management. With advanced features such as GPS-based route creation, LiDAR odometry for complex terrains, and a teach-and-repeat mapping mode for precision navigation, this mower offers unmatched functionality in autonomous landscaping. Phil Duffy, Chief Operating and Product Officer at Graze Robotics, stated, “Our robotic mower sets a new standard for durability, functionality, and environmental responsibility. It represents the future of commercial landscaping, delivering exceptional value and performance for professionals who demand the best.” Key Product Innovations The new model incorporates cutting-edge technology and features, including: Advanced Navigation: GPS-based routing, LiDAR odometry, and multiple map-creation modes ensure precision mowing, even in the most challenging environments. Eco-Friendly Operations: Quiet, all-electric performance meets local noise ordinances while reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable solutions. Remote Management: Real-time fleet tracking, remote diagnostics, and over-the-air updates simplify maintenance and optimize performance. Streamlined User Experience: A redesigned interface simplifies setup, mapping, and route optimization, making operation intuitive even for complex tasks. Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: Dust-resistant vision sensors, optimized ground clearance, and a safety-compliant battery system enable reliable operation across varied terrains. Scalable Technology: Powered by the ROS 2.0 operating system and a robust compute module, the mower is designed for seamless scalability and cost-effective operation. Self-Charging and Auto-Deploy (Coming Mid-2025): Automatically docks and recharges between tasks, ensuring continuous and hassle-free performance. Production and Scaling Plans Graze Robotics will begin production in Q1 2025, with initial deliveries of 15 units to key customers scheduled for Q1 and Q2. This phased rollout will provide valuable feedback as the Company refines its processes in preparation for mass production. A second Design for Manufacture (DFM) phase will commence in mid-2025, focusing on cost reduction and optimization ahead of a full-scale production launch in 2026. Positioned for Growth in a $70 Billion Market With the global commercial landscaping industry valued at $70 billion ¹, Graze’s autonomous mower addresses critical challenges, such as rising labor costs and sustainability demands. By offering a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, the Company ensures consistent ROI for customers through predictable subscription fees. Graze projects significant growth as it ramps up production, with plans to scale manufacturing efficiency and expand its market footprint. Graze is also exploring new industrial design directions to elevate the mower’s aesthetic appeal and ergonomic performance. These initiatives aim to solidify the Company’s position as the leading provider of innovative, high-performance solutions for autonomous commercial landscaping. Invest in Graze Robotics Visit the company’s offering page to learn more about how Graze is transforming the future of commercial landscaping. With its cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly solutions, and strong growth trajectory, Graze offers a unique investment opportunity in a $70 billion industry. invest.grazerobotics.com Graze Robotics designs and manufactures fully autonomous, electric mowers tailored for commercial applications. By combining cutting-edge AI technology with a commitment to sustainability, Graze delivers innovative solutions that reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. From golf courses to solar farms, Graze is revolutionizing the landscaping industry with smarter, greener technology. Disclaimer: This press release may include "forward-looking statements." To the extent that the information presented discusses financial projections, information, or expectations about Graze Robotics’ business plans, results of operations, products or markets, or otherwise makes statements about future events, such statements are forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "should," "may," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "expects," "plans," and "proposes."Although Graze Robotics believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the offering circular filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document, and Graze Robotics does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. Contact Details Graze Robotics Francie Holmes +1 972-598-9753 fholmes@grazerobotics.com Company Website https://www.grazerobotics.com

January 16, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

News Release

IntusCare Increases Total Funding to Over $27M through Strategic Follow-On Financing

Intus Care

IntusCare, a leading provider of predictive analytics solutions for geriatric care, today announced it has raised $11.5 million in a strategic follow-on financing round. This latest investment brings the company's total funding to over $27 million, underscoring the strong market positioning of IntusCare's innovative approach to improving care outcomes for complex senior populations. The investment round was led by Deerfield Management, with participation from Citi Impact Fund, Jumpstart Nova, and other existing IntusCare investors. This infusion of capital will fuel the launch of CareHub, a comprehensive care management platform, and support the expansion of IntusCare's existing suite of Revenue Integrity, Population Health, and Utilization Management solutions. Additionally, the company plans to accelerate its artificial intelligence research, aiming to enhance user experiences for healthcare providers and staff. Revolutionizing Care Management with CareHub CareHub is designed to accelerate the growth and success of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and other value-based care models. The platform addresses critical needs in the PACE community and beyond, including: Reducing documentation and administrative burden Integrating or replacing disparate, non-interoperable data systems Driving actionable insights for interdisciplinary care teams to improve medical utilization "With CareHub, we're taking a significant step forward in our mission to create the platform that organizations use to deliver the right care, at the right time, every day for older adults with complex needs," said Robbie Felton, CEO and co-founder of IntusCare. "This product is the result of our deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by PACE programs and other value-based care systems with technology, interoperability, and managing complex Medicare and Medicaid populations." Expanding Beyond PACE While initially focused on PACE programs, IntusCare is strategically positioned to expand its product suite to serve Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). The company's solutions are particularly valuable for organizations taking on risk in complex Medicare and Medicaid populations. "The support from Deerfield Management and our other investors validates our customer-centric approach and enables us to accelerate our growth within the PACE space and into new markets," said Evan Jackson, COO and co-founder of IntusCare. "We're excited to bring our expertise in data interoperability, workflow optimization, and patient-focused care to a wider range of value-based care providers." Driving Innovation in Value-Based Care IntusCare's latest funding round will also support the expansion of its marketing function and the continued development of its core products. The company remains committed to driving innovation in the value-based care space, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable senior populations. Ryan Alam, Senior Vice President of the Citi Impact Fund, emphasized the transformative potential of IntusCare’s work: “The PACE ecosystem has shown strong potential for improving outcomes for seniors with complex needs while allowing them to age in place. Currently, providers within these systems lack innovative technology to empower their workflows. IntusCare is working to address these technological shortcomings through a next-generation administrative, financial, and clinical software to support these models and the incredible care they offer to our most vulnerable population. We are thrilled to support IntusCare and deeply believe in their mission of expanding the reach of high-quality care.” Dr. Julian Harris, Operating Partner at Deerfield Management, added, "IntusCare continues to impress us with their innovative approach to solving critical technology and service problems in the PACE market and beyond. We believe their disruptive, AI-forward technology will play a vital role in revolutionizing the performance of interdisciplinary teams in the PACE, ACO, and Medicare SNP markets." For more information about IntusCare and its solutions, visit www.intuscare.com. About IntusCare IntusCare develops innovative predictive analytics platforms aimed at improving geriatric care outcomes. Founded in 2019 by Brown University undergraduate students, IntusCare empowers geriatric care providers to deliver more effective patient management and treatment for dual-eligible seniors - some of the most socially vulnerable and clinically complex individuals in the U.S. healthcare system. Learn more at intuscare.com. Contact Details SVM Public Relations Alison Matthiessen +1 401-490-9700 intuscare@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.intuscare.com/

January 16, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Roberston Stephens Ends 2024 with $7.1 Billion in Assets, Marking 45% Annual Growth

Robertson Stephens

Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC (“Robertson Stephens”), today announced that it ended 2024 with $7.1 billion in advisory assets under management, marking 45% growth over the preceding 12 months. Last year, Robertson Stephens completed five acquisitions, adding or increasing presences in the Chicago area, Connecticut, Oregon, and Colorado. “This was a year of continued growth, reflecting a validation in the industry of our culture and differentiation,” said Raj Bhattacharyya, Chief Executive Officer of Robertson Stephens. “We recognize that trust is earned, and we are pleased that our approach to providing comprehensive wealth plans and tailored investment portfolios resonates with advisors and clients alike.” With 2024’s acquisitions, Roberston Stephens now operates 24 offices located in San Francisco, Marin County, Menlo Park, Santa Rosa, Pasadena, San Ramon & Burlingame (CA), Denver, Vail & Colorado Springs (CO), Westport (CT), Sun Valley & Boise (ID), West Palm Beach (FL), Boston (MA), Holmdel & Madison (NJ), New York (NY), Portland (OR), Austin & Houston (TX), Seattle (WA), Jackson (WY), and now North Barrington (IL). Additionally, last year, Robertson Stephens was named to USA Today’s list of Best Financial Advisory Firms, FA Magazine’s list of Top 50 Fastest Growing Firms 2024, Forbes’s list of 2024 America’s Top RIA Firms, Barron’s list of 2024 Top 100 RIA Firms, Newsweek ’s list of America’s Top Financial Advisory Firms 2025, and ThinkAdvisor ’s 2024 Luminaries Award for Firm Innovation. About Robertson Stephens Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC is an independent SEC-registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. Its mission is to transform the wealth management experience by delivering institutional-quality investment solutions, comprehensive wealth planning, and intelligent digital solutions, all within a fiduciary relationship where the client is our highest priority. Robertson Stephens AUM are as of December 2024. For more information about Robertson Stephens, please visit: https://www.rscapital.com. Contact Details Peter Page ppage@vocatusllc.com Company Website https://rscapital.com/

January 16, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Most Popular Options Trading Strategies In 2024 For All Market Outlooks

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga Options can be among the best financial tools for enhancing and protecting one’s portfolio or even speculating about current events. Despite their relative complexity, options play a crucial role in modern investing by offering a range of strategic possibilities for portfolio management, risk mitigation and profit maximization. Against the backdrop of heightened investor anticipation and broad macroeconomic uncertainty, the market environment of 2024 was ripe for using options to manage risk, generate income, speculate on price movements or enhance portfolio returns. According to the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), the total contract volume for 2024 was 12,284,357,036, approximately 10.6% higher than 2023’s total contract volume. Popular Option Trading Strategies For individuals engaging in options trading, the strategy chosen is predicated on one’s market outlook or the opportunity at hand. The following are some popular strategies options traders use depending on whether they have a bullish market outlook, a bearish market outlook or an anticipatory market volatility outlook. Bullish Market Outlook A Bull Call Spread is a bullish option strategy designed to profit from a rise in the underlying asset's price within a specific range. This involves buying a call option at a lower strike price and selling another call option at a higher strike price, both expiring on the same date. Outcome: The strategy limits potential gains and losses, making it suitable for investors who expect a moderate price increase in the underlying asset and seek to reduce upfront costs compared to buying a single-call option outright. A Bull Put Spread is also a bullish option strategy; however, its objective is to generate income while minimizing risk. The strategy involves selling a put option with a higher strike and simultaneously purchasing a put option with a lower strike price; both maintain exposure to the same underlying asset and expiration date. Outcome: The highest profit is achieved if the underlying asset's price is at or above the higher strike at expiration. Conversely, the maximum loss is limited to the difference between the strike prices minus the net premium. Bearish Market Outlook A Bear Put Spread is an options strategy designed to capitalize on a decline in the underlying asset. The strategy involves purchasing a put option at a higher strike price and simultaneously selling a put option at a lower strike price, both with the same expiration date. Outcome: The highest profit occurs when the underlying asset’s price falls to or below the lower strike price. Conversely, the maximum loss is limited to the net premium paid for the spread. A Bear Call Spread involves selling a call option at a lower strike price and buying another call option at a higher strike price, both with the same expiration date. Outcome: The maximum profit is limited to the net premium received from selling the lower strike call and purchasing the call option with the higher strike price. Conversely, the potential loss is limited to the underlying asset’s price rising above the long call's strike price. Volatile Market Outlook A Long Straddle option strategy involves simultaneously buying a call option and a put option on the same underlying asset, with the same strike and expiration date. This strategy is advantageous when significant volatility that will impact the underlying asset is expected, but there is uncertainty as to how the asset will react. Outcome: If the underlying asset’s price rises materially, the call option’s value increases. Conversely, if the asset’s price falls substantially, the put option’s value increases. The profit potential from this strategy can be unlimited, given that the asset price moves far enough beyond the strike to surpass the cost of the premiums. However, the maximum loss is limited to the combined premiums paid for both options. A Long Strangle option strategy also requires buying a call option and a put option on the same underlying asset; however, the options will have the same expiration date but different strike prices. Typically, the call option will have a higher strike price, and the put option will have a lower strike price. Outcome: This strategy is advantageous when the underlying asset’s price will move significantly beyond the strike price, leading one option to increase in value and the other to diminish, with the loss being limited to the premium paid. Neutral Market Outlook An Iron Condor option strategy involves buying two puts (one long and one short) and two calls (one long and one short) with four strike prices, all with the same expiration date. This strategy profits the most when the underlying asset does not move much, although the strategy can be modified to suit both a bullish or bearish outlook. This strategy has limited upside and downside risk. Outcome: The iron condor strategy earns the trader the maximum profit when the underlying asset closes between the middle strike prices at expiration. As such, the goal is to profit from low volatility in the underlying asset. Navigating An Evolving Investment Landscape With Options In 2024, the investment landscape was impacted by anticipated events, such as the gradual lowering of interest rates, as well as unexpected occurrences, such as Japan’s Yen carry trade that briefly crashed the global markets, not to mention the uncertainty and surprises arising from the U.S. Presidential Election. Though each event differed in its impetus and impact, traders who utilized options could implement strategies that limited their losses or enabled them to capitalize on the moment. For traders looking to amplify their investment conviction, options allow them to leverage their market views with potentially high returns, often with limited capital and defined risk. Taking Action Having the right knowledge and tools is crucial to success in options trading. Cboe’s The Options Institute helps both beginners and sophisticated traders familiarize themselves with foundational knowledge on options or learn new developments taking place within the investment derivatives landscape. The Options Institute provides comprehensive courses and tools, equipping investors with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of options trading effectively. It is important to remember that responsible options trading is based on defining an investment objective and using analysis and informed decision-making to determine the most appropriate trading strategy. Understanding how options work and the associated risks, just like any other financial asset, is paramount. Cboe, the inventor of listed options trading and operator of the largest U.S. options exchange, is focused on innovation and making markets more accessible for retail traders. In 2006, Cboe launched VIX options, the first exchange-traded option that gave investors the ability to trade on expected market volatility. VIX options are now available for trading during Cboe’s Global Trading Hours, making the product more accessible to retail traders. Options can be among the best financial tools for enhancing and protecting one’s portfolio or even speculating about current events. For investors looking to navigate capital markets deftly and decisively, options offer the potential for targeted investing, passive income, better risk mitigation and income generation. Featured photo by Nicholas Cappello 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 is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 16, 2025 08:55 AM Eastern Standard Time

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JohnWallStreet’s “Private Equity x College Sports” Event Brings Together the Top Decision Makers in Sports and Finance

JohnWallStreet

JohnWallStreet, a sports intelligence business, will hold its JohnWallStreet Live: Private Equity x College Sports event on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the W Hotel in Atlanta, hours before the final game of the College Football Playoff between Notre Dame and Ohio State. The exclusive event will bring together top leaders and decision-makers from across collegiate athletics and the private capital markets for several hours of smart conversation and high-level networking. The programming lineup will feature a series of sports investment and college sports luminaries, including Mark Dowley (chief operating officer of RedBird Capital ), Kevin Mayer (co-founder of Smash Capital ), Brett Yormark (commissioner of the Big 12 Conference ), Tim Pernetti (commissioner of the American Athletic Conference ), Gloria Nevarez (commissioner of the Mountain West Conference ) and Craig Sloan (CEO of Playfly Sports ). “The college sports landscape is shifting rapidly. New rules around NIL and player revenue sharing are creating a demand for capital and new revenue creation,” said Corey Leff, founder of JohnWallStreet. “Our upcoming event will gather a collective of commissioners, ADs and investors specifically for the purpose of discussing the changing economics and where PE or private capital can fit into the equation. The insights shared at this event would make headlines—except no one is reporting on it. The only way to hear where the industry is moving is to be in the room.” The financial and operational pressures brought on in the new NIL era are exposing cracks in the traditional structures of athletic departments. The lack of investment in multiple areas, including human capital, real estate development and rights commercialization are limiting how schools extract value from their IP. Attendees at this gathering will learn how strategic capital is –and can be- used effectively, and the risks associated with taking it on at a university or conference level, from those driving the industry forward. For more information and to purchase tickets to the Monday, Jan. 20, JohnWallStreet Live: Private Equity x College Sports event, please visit: https://www.johnwallstreet.com/c/pe-x-college-sports-event About JohnWallStreet The most influential people in sports, media, and finance start their day with JohnWallStreet. The newsletter puts context and analysis around the news and trends defining the industry. In addition to its publishing arm, JWS has a research, events and consulting/advisory business. You can sign-up for the newsletter at JohnWallStreet.com/subscribe. Contact Details Digital Sport by Hot Paper Lantern Sterling Randle srandle@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.johnwallstreet.com/

January 16, 2025 08:31 AM Eastern Standard Time

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