Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Highlights from Noble’s Emerging Growth Virtual Conference. Lenny Sokolow, Co-CEO, presented at Noble’s Virtual Equity conference June 4 & 5th. Mr. Sokolow discussed the company’s innovative technology, commercial partnerships, and its quest for mandatory standardization with the NEC, among other topics. A rebroadcast is available here.
Mandatory standardization efforts getting a boost. Management remains optimistic about its push for mandatory standardization, citing recent backing from a prominent government safety leader. The company’s “Code Team” expects further support from key safety organizations to advance its ceiling receptacle technology as a regulatory standard.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Bolsters its southern operations. On June 11, the company announced that it had acquired the assets of Pelicoin, a crypto ATM company with operations in the Gulf South (particularly MS, AL, TX, TN). The additional kiosks, which we believe to be roughly 50, are expected to be fully integrated within several weeks.
Industry consolidation. In our view, the acquisition demonstrates the attractive industry consolidation opportunity for the company. Notably, the Pelicoin acquisition marks the second time in the last 18 months that the company has opportunistically added to its kiosk fleet. In April 2024, the company acquired 2,300 kiosks at a 50% discount from a defunct operator. We believe, with its healthy cash balance of $35 million (as of 3/31/25), the company is well positioned to continue to consolidate the industry as opportunities arise.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Stripe’s acquisition of crypto wallet provider Privy represents far more than a simple technology purchase—it’s a calculated move to position the payments giant at the forefront of the digital currency revolution. This strategic acquisition, coming on the heels of Stripe’s massive $1.1 billion purchase of Bridge earlier this year, demonstrates the company’s commitment to building a comprehensive cryptocurrency infrastructure that could fundamentally reshape how businesses and consumers interact with digital assets.
Privy’s impressive scale provides immediate validation of the crypto wallet market’s maturity. With over 75 million accounts across more than 1,000 developer teams facilitating billions in transactions, the New York-based startup has proven that cryptocurrency wallets can achieve mainstream adoption when properly executed. Founded in 2021 by Henri Stern and Asta Li, Privy solved a critical problem in the crypto ecosystem by creating developer-friendly APIs that eliminate the technical barriers traditionally associated with wallet creation and blockchain integration.
The timing of this acquisition is particularly significant given the broader cryptocurrency market’s evolution toward practical utility rather than speculative trading. Privy’s technology spans multiple high-growth sectors including decentralized finance, gaming, artificial intelligence agents, and consumer applications, indicating that crypto infrastructure is becoming integral to diverse business models rather than remaining confined to niche financial applications.
Stripe’s strategic vision becomes clearer when considering how Privy’s capabilities complement the company’s existing strengths. The payments processor has built its reputation on simplifying complex financial operations for merchants, and cryptocurrency transactions represent the next logical frontier. By integrating Privy’s wallet technology with Bridge’s stablecoin infrastructure and Stripe’s global payment network, the company is creating a unified platform that could make cryptocurrency transactions as seamless as traditional card payments.
The acquisition’s structure reveals Stripe’s confidence in Privy’s independent value proposition. By allowing Privy to continue operating as an independent product, Stripe acknowledges that the crypto wallet market requires specialized expertise and dedicated focus. This approach mirrors successful technology acquisitions where the parent company provides resources and distribution while preserving the acquired company’s innovative culture and technical capabilities.
Patrick Collison’s statement about enabling “Internet-native financial services” hints at Stripe’s larger ambition to challenge traditional banking infrastructure. The combination of wallet technology, stablecoin capabilities, and global payment processing creates a powerful alternative to conventional financial systems, particularly for international transactions where traditional banking remains slow and expensive.
The undisclosed acquisition price, while notable, is less important than the strategic implications. Privy’s $40 million in raised capital from prominent investors including Ribbit Capital and Coinbase Ventures suggests a valuation multiple that reflects both current performance and future potential. For Stripe, which processes hundreds of billions in annual payment volume, the cost of this acquisition is minimal compared to the potential revenue from expanding into cryptocurrency infrastructure.
This acquisition positions Stripe to capture value from the inevitable growth in cryptocurrency adoption while maintaining its core business focus. As regulatory clarity improves and institutional adoption accelerates, companies with comprehensive crypto infrastructure will possess significant competitive advantages in the evolving digital economy.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Solid Q1 Results. The company reported Q1 revenue of $97.0 million and adj. EBITDA of $15.6 million, both of which easily surpassed our estimates of $87.0 million and a loss of $0.6 million, respectively. Notably, while revenue decreased 9% from last year, adj. EBITDA was up substantially from a loss of roughly $1.0 million. The improvement in adj. EBITDA was largely driven by the company’s efficient use of marketing spend and focus on profitability.
Key operating metrics. Bookings and monthly paying users decreased by 25% and 26%, respectively, compared to the prior year period, but the decrease was expected as the company is focused on improving the quality of gameplay and not over-monetizing its user base. For example, average bookings per paying user (ABPPU) increased from $88 in Q1’24 to $90 in Q1’25, despite a decrease in monthly paying users.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group. Codere Online offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile application. Codere currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and the City of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Codere Online’s online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence in the region.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Files 20-F with SEC. On June 2, the company announced the filing of its 2024 annual report with the SEC. As a reminder, the company was not in compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements regarding the timely filing of financial results and requested a hearing to review the delisting determination. The issue started with a change in the company’s auditors.
Satisfying listing requirements. Notably, with the filing of its 20-F, the company believes it has regained compliance with the Nasdaq listing requirements and does not anticipate the hearing requested on May 22 will be necessary. Importantly, the filing puts the company back on track with its financial reporting.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
DLH delivers improved health and readiness solutions for federal programs through research, development, and innovative care processes. The Company’s experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 2,300 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to public health to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
An Accumulator. Mink Brook Capital has been a steady accumulator of DLHC shares, amassing 2,164,058 DLHC shares, representing approximately 15% of the outstanding shares. Mink Brook first filed a schedule 13G back in early July 2024, disclosing a 5% holding of DLHC shares. The investment firm has continuously added to its stake since then. Mink Brook is the second largest holder of DLHC shares, only behind long-term holder Wynnefield Capital, owner of approximately 25.6% of the shares.
Who Is Mink Brook? Florida based Mink Brook was founded in May 2019 by William Mueller. Mr. Mueller had spent the past decade successfully investing and advising capital in the small-cap space. He desired to form an investment firm that would provide investors with idiosyncratic, uncorrelated returns by focusing on companies outside of major indexes. As of March 31st, the investment management firm had 32 positions with a market value of $95 million. Mink Brook’s DLH holding was the manager’s sixth largest by market cap.
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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Investment thesis on track. We believe the company is on track to deliver on our full-year revenue and adj. EBITDA forecast, despite investor concerns around federal budget cuts, to which we believe the company has limited actual exposure. Moreover, although there may be some concerns over disruption from potential new asset sales, we anticipate that additional sales would likely focus on lower-margin business units and could help to bolster the company’s long-term cashflow margin profile.
Re-affirming full year 2025 estimates. While we are largely maintaining our full year estimates, we are fine-tuning the quarterly cadence of adj. EBITDA to better reflect seasonality. Our Q2 and Q3 adj. EBITDA estimates are raised to $33 million and $52 million, respectively, while Q4 is lowered to $54 million, reflecting factors tied to SNAP and Medicare enrollment. We expect 2026 revenue growth of 3% to $3.22 billion with adj. EBITDA margin expansion to 8.0%.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
MIAMI, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (“SKYX” or the “Company”), a highly disruptive smart home platform technology company with over 97 issued and pending patents globally and a growing portfolio of over 60 lighting and home décor websites, with a mission to make homes and buildings become smart, safe, and advanced as the new standard, today announced that it is set to be added to the Russell 2000® and the broad-market Russell 3000® Index following the 2025 annual reconstitution of the Russell indexes, according to a preliminary list of additions posted by FTSE Russell on May 23, 2025. SKYX’s inclusion will become effective after the U.S. market opens on June 27, 2025.
Annual Russell index reconstitution ranks the Russell 2000® Index and the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies by total market capitalization. Inclusion in the all-cap Russell 3000® Index results in automatic membership in either the large-cap Russell 1000® Index or the small-cap Russell 2000® Index, as well as in relevant growth and value style indexes. FTSE Russell determines index membership primarily based on market-cap rankings and style attributes.
“This is an exciting milestone that reflects the strong progress SKYX has made in scaling our business and executing our strategic vision,” said Lenny Sokolow, Co-CEO of SKYX. “We believe that inclusion in the Russell indexes will help broaden investor awareness of our technology platform and increase institutional ownership as we continue to grow and advance our mission to make homes and buildings safer and smarter.”
Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index-based funds and benchmarking purposes. According to FTSE Russell, approximately $10.6 trillion in assets are benchmarked to Russell U.S. indexes. Russell indexes are maintained by FTSE Russell, a global leader in index analytics and solutions.
For more information on the Russell 3000® Index and the annual reconstitution process, please visit the “Russell Reconstitution” section on the FTSE Russell website.
As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 97 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://skyplug.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.
The 63-Acre Mix-Use Urban Smart Home City in The Miami Little River District will include High- & Mid-Rise Buildings with over 5,700 Condos and Apartments including Workforce and Affordable Living, 350,000 SQF of Retail, 1.5 Million SQF of Green Walkways, Parks, Bike Paths, Shuttle Lanes, a New $35 Million Tri-Rail Station, and More
SKYX is Expected to Deploy Over 500,000 Units of its Advanced and Smart Home Plug & Play Platform Technologies and Products, including an AI Ecosystem. SKYX has Financial Backing from U.S. and Global Manufacturers to Support its Massive Product Deployment
The $3 Billion Project is Led by Prominent Developers SG Holdings, a Joint Venture between Swerdlow Group, SJM Partners, and Alben Duffie
The Architecture and Design of the Project is Led by World-Renowned Architectural Firm Arquitectonica
The Groundbreaking Smart Home Mixed-Use Major Development Will Redefine Miami’s Urban Landscape
MIAMI, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (“SKYX” or the “Company”), a highly disruptive smart home platform technology company with over 97 issued and pending patents globally and a growing portfolio of over 60 lighting and home décor websites, with a mission to make homes and buildings become smart, safe, and advanced as the new standard today announced a major collaboration with a $3 billion mixed-use smart city development in the Little River District in the heart of Miami. SKYX has financial backing from U.S. and Global manufacturers to support its massive product deployment.
SKYX is expected to deliver over 500,000 units of its advanced and plug & play smart home technologies. SKYX’s platform technologies make homes and buildings safer, smart, and advanced, while saving significant time and cost.
SKYX’s deployed products will include ceiling outlet receptacles, its all-in-one smart home platform technology, an AI ecosystem, and plug & play products including lighting, ceiling fans, recessed lights, EXIT signs, emergency lighting, downlights, and indoor/outdoor wall lighting among others.
Per developers’ commitment to an advanced smart and safe urban community, all homes will be provided with SKYX’s all-in-one smart home platform technology that will include smart and safety features such as WIFI and WIFI repeaters, voice, and app controls, a 911 emergency calling feature, speakers, room to room intercom, emergency light, safety night light, color changing light, smoke and CO detectors, thermostats, among other AI and smart home features. Developers will be providing free internet for all community apartments. The Miami Little River project will be the first of its kind in the State of Florida.
SKYX’s technologies offer long-term recurring revenue opportunities through upgrades, product interchangeability, monitoring services, subscriptions, and platform-wide integrations for future developments.
The groundbreaking 63-acre urban revitalization project will be one of the largest housing and smart home initiatives in Miami’s history and will offer the 2,400 affordable apartments services, technology and amenities usually offered in high-end projects. The project is led by prominent developers SG Holdings, a joint venture comprised of the Swerdlow Group, SJM Partners and Alben Duffie, the team that has just delivered the 1.5 million sq. ft. Sawyer Walk project in Miami’s Overtown area.
The Urban Mixed-Use Smart Home Development will Contain High- & Mid-Rise Buildings and Housing and Will Include:
Over 5,700 residential units, including workforce and affordable housing
350,000 square feet of retail and commercial space including major and national retailers, a major supermarket, big box retail, restaurants, offices, convenience stores, food and beverage options, and more
1.5 million square feet of green walkways, parks, bike paths, and shuttle lanes
A new $35 million Tri-Rail station
250,000+ square feet of publicly accessible green space
Amenities including fitness centers, pools, computer labs, among others
The Groundbreaking Smart Home Mixed-Use Major Development Will Redefine Miami’s Urban Landscape
Michael Swerdlow, Founder and CEO of Swerdlow Group and lead partner in SG Holdings, said, “Our $3 billion mixed-use development is set to redefine the urban landscape of Miami. To support that vision, we are integrating safe, advanced, and intelligent technologies—like SKYX’s innovative plug-and-play smart home platform—across our buildings and residences. These technologies will deliver meaningful value to our homeowners and the broader community.”
Stephen Garchik, Founder of SJM Partners, and a principal partner in SG Holdings, said, “Our 63-acre mixed-use development is designed to be a model for the future of smart urban living—safe, connected, and forward-thinking. We are looking forward to incorporating SKYX’s game-changing technologies, which will add significant value to our project, while enhancing safety, functionality, and overall experience of our buildings and homes and for the entire community.”
Rani Kohen, Founder, Inventor and Executive Chairman of SKYX Platforms Corp., said, “We are proud to collaborate on a Miami urban mixed-use smart city project of this magnitude in the heart of the city. Our advanced plug & play smart platform was designed to support the next generation of urban developments, and we look forward to the opportunity to contribute to a connected, safer, and more efficient living environment.”
Khadija Mustafa, Global AI and Sales Leader at Microsoft and Senior Technology Advisor to SKYX, added: “This Miami groundbreaking smart city project marks the start of a new era in intelligent living. While phones and cars have leapt ahead, the building socket has been left behind — until now. SKYX is laying the infrastructure to not just connect homes, hotels, and communities, but to unlock a gateway for AI-enabled services that will redefine how we live, work, and connect.”
As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 97 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://skyplug.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.
Key Points: – Google partners with Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and Samsung to develop Android XR smart glasses powered by Gemini AI. – Features include in-lens displays, cameras, real-time translation, and smartphone integration. – The move sets up a new front in the wearables race against Meta and Apple
Google is reentering the smart glasses race with renewed focus and fresh partners. At its annual Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, the tech giant announced partnerships with eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to create stylish, AI-powered smart glasses. The company is also expanding its collaboration with Samsung into the realm of intelligent eyewear, building on their joint efforts in augmented reality.
Unlike the tech-heavy and socially awkward Google Glass of 2013, Google’s new smart glasses aim to blend cutting-edge functionality with fashion-forward design. Set to run on the new Android XR operating system, the glasses will include features like turn-by-turn navigation, real-time translation, camera-enabled photography, hands-free calling, and seamless integration with apps—all delivered through the company’s Gemini AI platform.
In a direct challenge to Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Google’s new offering will pair with smartphones and be equipped with microphones, speakers, and optional in-lens displays. These displays will allow users to access information such as text messages or directions without pulling out their phone. While the glasses will still rely on smartphones for processing and connectivity, they mark a significant leap in the evolution of wearable tech.
“This new wave of smart glasses is about combining form and function,” said Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP of Devices & Services. “By working with top eyewear designers, we’re making sure these devices are not only useful, but also something people will want to wear every day.”
Importantly, Google says it will begin working with developers and testers later this year to fine-tune the technology, especially in terms of privacy and usability—areas that proved problematic for the original Google Glass. That early attempt, which cost $1,500 and looked like something out of a sci-fi film, failed to gain traction with mainstream consumers, partly due to design and partly due to discomfort around being unknowingly recorded.
Today’s consumers, however, are more acclimated to cameras in public spaces, and the success of Meta’s more discreet Ray-Ban glasses shows the market may finally be ready for smart eyewear—if it looks good and works well.
The resurgence of interest in smart glasses comes amid a broader push by tech giants to identify the next big hardware platform after the smartphone. Google is also involved in Samsung’s Project Moohan, an AR/VR headset co-developed with Qualcomm, signaling its broader ambitions in the spatial computing space.
Apple is rumored to be working on its own smart glasses, though Bloomberg reports they may not launch until 2027. That gives Google and Meta time to shape the market—and consumer expectations.
While smart glasses are unlikely to replace smartphones overnight, they are becoming a serious contender in the next phase of personal technology. The challenge now is whether Google, this time with the right design and timing, can finally succeed where Google Glass stumbled—and convince the world to put computers on their faces.
Key Points: – Regeneron to acquire 23andMe’s assets, including its vast genetic data bank, for $256 million. – The deal raises significant privacy concerns among customers and regulators. – Despite bankruptcy, 23andMe’s consumer services will continue under Regeneron’s oversight.
In a major move with wide-reaching implications for healthcare, privacy, and small-cap investors, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced its acquisition of embattled DNA-testing company 23andMe for $256 million. The deal comes as 23andMe, once valued at over $6 billion following its 2021 public debut, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year after prolonged profitability issues.
The acquisition includes 23andMe’s flagship Personal Genome Service, its Total Health and Research Services businesses, and a massive biobank of consumer genetic data collected over the years. While this trove of genetic information presents an invaluable asset for advancing personalized medicine, it also ignites fresh concerns about consumer privacy, data protection, and ethical oversight.
Regeneron, a major player in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, has committed to maintaining 23andMe’s existing privacy protections and compliance with applicable laws. A court-appointed ombudsman will oversee the company’s plans for handling consumer data, and Regeneron has pledged transparency and high standards in its management of the sensitive dataset.
“We assure 23andMe customers that we are committed to protecting the 23andMe dataset with our high standards of data privacy, security and ethical oversight and will advance its full potential to improve human health,” said Aris Baras, a senior vice president at Regeneron.
The transaction, expected to close in Q3 2025, ensures that 23andMe’s genome services will continue without interruption. However, many former customers remain uneasy. When the company filed for bankruptcy, California Attorney General Rob Bonta advised users to request deletion of their genetic data and destruction of any physical samples stored by the company.
Despite reassurances from both Regeneron and 23andMe that existing privacy policies—designed to prevent data sharing with employers, insurers, law enforcement, and public databases—will remain in effect, skepticism lingers. This is particularly relevant in an age where genetic data is increasingly valuable for drug development, disease prediction, and targeted therapies.
For small-cap investors, this deal is noteworthy for several reasons. First, it reflects a growing trend of larger pharmaceutical firms acquiring innovative—but financially struggling—startups to bolster their pipelines and data assets. Second, it highlights the inherent volatility and risks associated with investing in biotech startups, especially those that go public with limited monetization strategies.
23andMe’s rise and fall underscore the importance of business sustainability in data-centric healthcare models. Meanwhile, Regeneron’s acquisition offers a potential long-term payoff through access to a highly unique, large-scale genomic dataset that could fuel years of research and development.
Investors will be watching closely how Regeneron integrates 23andMe’s assets and navigates the complex ethical landscape surrounding personal genetic data.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Strong Q1 Results. The company reported Q1 revenue of $97.0 million and adj. EBITDA of $15.6 million, both of which easily surpassed our estimates of $87.0 million and a loss of $0.6 million, respectively, as illustrated in Figure #1 Q1 Results. Notably, while revenue decreased 9% from last year, adj. EBITDA was up substantially from a loss of roughly $1.0 million. The improvement in adj. EBITDA was largely driven by the company’s efficient use of marketing spend and focus on profitability.
Key operating metrics. Notably, while bookings and monthly paying users decreased by 25% and 26%, respectively, compared to the prior year period, the decrease was largely expected as the company is focused on improving the quality of gameplay and not over-monetizing its user base. For example, average bookings per paying user (ABPPU) increased from $88 in Q1’24 to $90 in Q1’25, despite a decrease in monthly paying users.
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Key Points: IPO Market Rebounds: eToro and CoreWeave spark renewed tech IPO momentum. Startups Move Ahead: Chime and Hinge Health revive public debut plans. AI & Fintech Lead: These sectors drive the IPO resurgence despite market uncertainty.
After several years of stagnation, the tech IPO market is finally showing signs of revival. Recent successful listings from high-profile companies like eToro and CoreWeave, coupled with a growing pipeline of IPO-ready startups, have rekindled optimism among venture capitalists and retail investors alike.
Earlier this week, eToro, the social trading and brokerage platform based in Israel, made a striking debut on the Nasdaq. Its stock surged nearly 29% after pricing above the expected range—a strong signal that investor appetite for new tech listings may be returning. The timing was crucial. Just weeks ago, uncertainty stemming from President Trump’s abrupt tariff policy had cast a shadow over the broader market and cooled IPO ambitions.
Adding further momentum, CoreWeave, an AI infrastructure company, posted a remarkable 420% revenue increase in its first earnings report since going public in March. The company’s stock has more than doubled in value since its IPO, reflecting sustained investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure plays. According to PitchBook and the National Venture Capital Association, nearly 40% of Q1 venture capital exit value came from CoreWeave’s listing alone.
This rebound, however, comes after a long dry spell. Since early 2022, startups across fintech, health tech, and enterprise software have largely stayed private, waiting for more favorable conditions. The brief optimism earlier this year was quickly dampened when the Trump administration’s surprise tariff announcement in April rattled the markets. In response, companies like Klarna and StubHub shelved their IPO plans.
But with the administration now pausing its most aggressive tariff measures for 90 days, confidence is starting to return. Fintech company Chime filed its IPO prospectus this week, having delayed its plans due to the earlier tariff-driven volatility. Similarly, digital health firm Omada Health submitted its filing last week.
Next week, all eyes will be on Hinge Health, a virtual physical therapy platform. The company updated its IPO filing with a pricing range of $28–$32, potentially valuing it at $2.4 billion. This offering will be an important litmus test for investor sentiment toward the digital health sector, which boomed during the pandemic but has since seen growth slow.
Meanwhile, Cerebras, a chipmaker focused on AI hardware, has finally cleared regulatory hurdles and is preparing to go public later this year. The move reflects strong demand in the AI space, even as regulatory and geopolitical risks linger.
There are also notable shifts in the digital asset space. Galaxy Digital, originally listed in Canada due to U.S. regulatory hesitance toward crypto, has now moved its shares to the Nasdaq in a bid to access a broader investor base.
Despite these encouraging signs, experts remain cautious. Ernst & Young’s Rachel Gerring believes the IPO market is “trending in the right direction,” but warns that volatility and geopolitical risks could still stall momentum. Many startups are being advised to focus on readiness rather than timing, ensuring they can launch when conditions are ideal.
For now, the market is showing signs of life. But whether this marks the start of a sustained comeback or another false dawn remains to be seen.
