Tag: Tech

WideOpenWest to Go Private in $1.5 Billion Deal with DigitalBridge and Crestview Partners

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

WideOpenWest, Inc. (NYSE: WOW), one of the nation’s largest broadband providers, has agreed to a $1.5 billion buyout by DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and Crestview Partners, marking the company’s exit from public markets. Under the agreement, shareholders will receive $5.20 in cash per share — a 63% premium over the most recent closing price and a 37.2% premium from its unaffected value prior to a May 2024 offer.

Crestview, which already owns roughly 37% of WOW!’s outstanding shares, will roll over its stake and partner with DigitalBridge to take the company private. The partnership signals a strategic push to accelerate WOW!’s growth, expand its geographic reach, and invest heavily in advanced broadband infrastructure.

With a footprint spanning 20 markets in the Midwest and Southeast, WOW! passes nearly 2 million homes and businesses, offering internet, TV, and phone services. In recent years, the company has made significant investments in all-fiber networks, including builds in Central Florida and South Carolina. Going private is expected to give the company greater flexibility to pursue such large-scale infrastructure projects without the constraints of quarterly earnings pressures.

The acquisition also underscores broader private-equity interest in U.S. broadband assets, as demand for high-speed internet continues to climb. DigitalBridge, a global investor in digital infrastructure, brings a track record in funding and operating fiber networks, while Crestview’s long-term involvement offers stability and operational experience. Together, the firms intend to strengthen WOW!’s competitive position through technology upgrades, enhanced customer service, and targeted market expansion.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by WOW!’s board following a review by a special committee of independent directors. The process involved evaluating multiple strategic options, with the board concluding that the offer delivered the best value for shareholders.

Completion of the deal is contingent on shareholder and regulatory approvals, with closing anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026. Once finalized, WOW! will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and operate as a privately held company.

Advisors to the transaction include Centerview Partners for WOW!’s special committee, with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz serving as legal counsel. DigitalBridge and Crestview are being advised by LionTree Advisors, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs as structuring advisors. Legal counsel is being provided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP for DigitalBridge and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP for Crestview.

For customers, the shift to private ownership is expected to be seamless, with no disruption to services. However, both ownership groups have signaled a strong commitment to expanding network capacity, enhancing speed and reliability, and introducing new offerings designed to meet the evolving needs of both residential and business users.

Conduent (CNDT) – Improved Margins and Steady Execution

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Thursday, August 07, 2025

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.

Solid Q2 results. Conduent reported second-quarter revenue of $754 million, in line with our estimate. Adj. EBITDA of $37 million exceeded our $33 million forecast. Importantly, all three business segments posted sequential growth in new business annual contract value, signaling building commercial momentum and suggesting that execution is improving across the platform.

Portfolio rationalization in the works. The company collected the remaining $50 million from its Curbside Management divestiture, completing phase one of its portfolio rationalization strategy. Management indicated additional transactions are in progress, aimed at boosting profitability. We believe updates are likely by year-end, as the team continues to reshape the business with a focus on higher-margin opportunities.


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Release – Perfect Corp. to Announce Financial Results for Second Quarter of 2025 on July 29, 2025

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on PERF

July 15, 2025

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Perfect Corp. (NYSE: PERF) (“Perfect” or the “Company”), a global leader in providing augmented reality (“AR”) and artificial intelligence (“AI”) Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) solutions to beauty and fashion industries, today announced that it plans to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 before U.S. markets open on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

    About Perfect Corp.

    Founded in 2015, Perfect Corp. is a leading AI company offering self-developed AI- and AR- powered solutions dedicated to transforming the world with digital tech innovations that make your virtual world beautiful. On its direct to consumer business, Perfect operates a family of YouCam consumer apps and web-editing services for photo, video and camera users, centered on unleashing creativity with AI-driven features for creation, beautification and enhancement. On the enterprise business side, Perfect empowers major beauty, skincare, fashion, jewelry, and watch brands and retailers by supplying them with omnichannel shopping experiences through AR product try-ons and AI-powered skin diagnostics. With cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, real-time facial and hand 3D AR rendering and cloud solutions, Perfect enables personalized, enjoyable, and engaging shopping journey and helps brands elevate customer engagement, increase conversion rates, and propel sales growth. Throughout this journey, Perfect maintains its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and fulfilling social responsibilities. For more information, visit https://ir.perfectcorp.com/.

    Category: Investor Relations

    Investor Relations Contact
    Investor Relations, Perfect Corp.
    Email: Investor_Relations@PerfectCorp.com

    Source: Perfect Corp.

    Nvidia Shatters Records: AI Giant Becomes World’s Most Valuable Company

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    In a stunning display of market dominance, Nvidia has officially entered uncharted territory by achieving a market capitalization of $3.92 trillion, surpassing Apple’s previous record and establishing itself as the most valuable company in corporate history.

    The semiconductor giant’s shares surged as much as 2.4% to $160.98 during Thursday morning trading, propelling the company beyond Apple’s historic closing value of $3.915 trillion set on December 26, 2024. This milestone represents far more than a simple changing of the guard—it signals a fundamental shift in how markets value artificial intelligence infrastructure.

    Nvidia’s ascent to unprecedented valuation levels reflects Wall Street’s unwavering confidence in the artificial intelligence revolution. The company’s specialized chips have become the essential building blocks for training the world’s most sophisticated AI models, creating what industry experts describe as “insatiable demand” for Nvidia’s high-end processors.

    The magnitude of Nvidia’s valuation becomes even more striking when placed in global context. The company is now worth more than the combined value of all publicly listed companies in Canada and Mexico. It also exceeds the total market capitalization of the entire United Kingdom stock market, underscoring the extraordinary concentration of value in AI-related assets.

    The transformation of Nvidia from a specialized gaming hardware company to Wall Street’s AI bellwether represents one of the most remarkable corporate evolution stories in modern business history. Co-founded in 1993 by CEO Jensen Huang, the Santa Clara-based company has seen its market value increase nearly eight-fold over the past four years, rising from $500 billion in 2021 to approaching $4 trillion today.

    This meteoric rise has been fueled by an unprecedented corporate arms race, with technology giants Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Alphabet, and Tesla competing to build expansive AI data centers. Each of these companies relies heavily on Nvidia’s cutting-edge processors to power their artificial intelligence ambitions, creating a virtuous cycle of demand for the chipmaker’s products.

    Despite its record-breaking market capitalization, Nvidia’s valuation metrics suggest the rally may have room to run. The stock currently trades at approximately 32 times analysts’ expected earnings for the next 12 months—well below its five-year average of 41 times forward earnings. This relatively modest price-to-earnings ratio reflects the company’s rapidly expanding profit margins and consistently upward-revised earnings estimates.

    The company’s remarkable recovery trajectory becomes evident when examining its recent performance. Nvidia’s stock has rebounded more than 68% from its April 4 closing low, when global markets were rattled by President Trump’s tariff announcements. The subsequent recovery has been driven by expectations that the White House will negotiate trade agreements to mitigate the impact of proposed tariffs on technology companies.

    Nvidia’s dominance hasn’t gone unchallenged. Earlier this year, Chinese startup DeepSeek triggered a global equity selloff by demonstrating that high-performance AI models could be developed using less expensive hardware. This development sparked concerns that companies might reduce their spending on premium processors, temporarily dampening enthusiasm for Nvidia’s growth prospects.

    However, the company’s ability to maintain its technological edge has kept it at the forefront of AI hardware innovation. Nvidia’s newest chip designs continue to demonstrate superior performance in training large-scale artificial intelligence models, reinforcing its position as the preferred supplier for major technology companies.

    Nvidia now carries a weight of nearly 7.4% in the benchmark S&P 500, making it a significant driver of broader market performance. The company’s inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average last November, replacing Intel, symbolized the semiconductor industry’s strategic pivot toward AI-focused development.

    As Nvidia approaches the $4 trillion threshold, its unprecedented valuation serves as a barometer for investor confidence in artificial intelligence’s transformative potential across industries.

    Nvidia Eyes Robotics as Its Next Trillion-Dollar Frontier

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    – Nvidia identifies robotics as its next major growth driver, second only to artificial intelligence, with self-driving cars and humanoid robots as early focus areas.
    – Robotics and automotive revenue is currently small—just 1% of total sales—but growing rapidly, with 72% annual growth reported last quarter.
    – Nvidia is evolving into a full AI infrastructure provider, offering chips, software, and cloud services to power future autonomous systems and robotics at scale.

    Nvidia, the global leader in AI computing and graphics processing, is turning its attention to robotics as its next major growth engine—second only to artificial intelligence itself. During its annual shareholders meeting, CEO Jensen Huang outlined how robotics could transform from a niche revenue stream into a multitrillion-dollar opportunity for the company.

    While Nvidia is best known today for the chips that power generative AI tools like ChatGPT, its ambitions are quickly expanding beyond data centers. Robotics, according to Huang, is poised to become one of the largest markets for Nvidia’s technology—integrating AI with physical systems across industries from transportation to manufacturing.

    Currently, Nvidia’s automotive and robotics business makes up a small fraction of the company’s total revenue. In the most recent quarterly report, that segment generated $567 million, accounting for about 1% of total revenue. However, it showed strong momentum, up 72% year-over-year. Huang emphasized that this is only the beginning of what he sees as a long-term play.

    One of the most immediate commercial applications of robotics, according to Nvidia, is autonomous vehicles. The company’s Drive platform—already adopted by major carmakers like Mercedes-Benz—includes powerful onboard chips and AI models capable of handling the complex task of self-driving navigation. But Nvidia’s robotics vision extends far beyond the road.

    At the meeting, Huang also spotlighted the company’s newly released Cosmos AI models for humanoid robots. These models represent a leap toward enabling general-purpose robots that can interact with and adapt to dynamic environments. From warehouse automation to robotic factories and healthcare assistants, Nvidia sees its chips playing a central role in bringing these systems to life.

    To support these ambitions, Nvidia continues to evolve its identity from a chip manufacturer to a full-fledged AI infrastructure provider. In addition to its industry-dominating GPUs, the company now offers networking hardware, enterprise software, and its own cloud services—all designed to create a seamless pipeline from model training to deployment in the real world.

    Huang’s comments reflect Nvidia’s long-term strategy to build an end-to-end ecosystem for intelligent computing. With demand for AI capabilities showing no sign of slowing and emerging use cases like robotics gaining traction, the company appears well-positioned to lead in both digital and physical AI applications.

    The financial markets appear to agree. Nvidia’s stock surged to a record high following the shareholder meeting, pushing its market capitalization to $3.75 trillion—surpassing Microsoft to become the most valuable public company in the world.

    Although robotics currently represents a small sliver of Nvidia’s earnings, the strategic importance of this segment is growing. As more industries invest in automation and intelligent systems, Nvidia is betting that the same technology powering chatbots and data centers will eventually control fleets of robots, smart factories, and autonomous machines across the globe.

    With the groundwork now in place, Nvidia is not just building chips—it’s building the future of intelligent automation.

    Rubrik to Acquire AI Startup Predibase in Strategic Expansion Push

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    – Rubrik is acquiring AI startup Predibase for over $100 million to expand into enterprise AI infrastructure.
    – Predibase’s platform allows businesses to customize and deploy AI models using data from third-party sources.
    – The acquisition aligns with Rubrik’s strategy to evolve into a multi-product enterprise platform focused on security and AI innovation.

    Rubrik, the data security and management company, is set to acquire artificial intelligence startup Predibase in a move that deepens its presence in the fast-growing AI infrastructure market. The acquisition, valued at over $100 million according to a source familiar with the terms, marks a significant step in Rubrik’s efforts to broaden its capabilities beyond data backup and cyber resilience.

    Predibase, founded in 2021, specializes in tools that help organizations efficiently deploy custom AI models using their own data. The San Francisco-based startup has attracted attention for its developer-focused platform that integrates with a wide range of third-party data systems. By enabling customization and deployment of large language models (LLMs), Predibase aims to help businesses move beyond generic AI tools and build solutions tailored to their internal data needs.

    Rubrik, which went public in 2024 and has seen robust revenue growth since its IPO, views the deal as an opportunity to evolve into a multi-product enterprise software provider. The company has already established itself as a key player in data protection and ransomware recovery, boasting more than $1 billion in annualized recurring revenue. The integration of Predibase’s AI model deployment tools adds a new layer to Rubrik’s offerings—one that taps into the increasing demand for AI-powered automation across enterprises.

    With this acquisition, Rubrik aims to give customers the ability to build secure, cost-effective AI agents that can reason over large datasets housed within both Rubrik’s ecosystem and external cloud platforms. These include major cloud data players such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Snowflake, and Databricks, with whom Predibase already integrates.

    The Predibase platform will continue to operate independently after the acquisition closes, preserving its existing customer relationships and developer-centric approach. Predibase’s technology will also be enhanced by Rubrik’s Annapurna platform, which enables secure aggregation of data from multiple sources. Together, the two platforms are expected to provide businesses with an end-to-end stack for building and deploying AI models grounded in private enterprise data.

    Predibase’s team, including co-founders who previously worked on AI infrastructure at Uber, brings technical depth and credibility to Rubrik’s expanding AI strategy. Their work at Uber on machine learning platforms laid the groundwork for scalable AI services, and they bring similar ambitions to their new parent company.

    For Rubrik, the acquisition underscores a broader ambition to become a long-term platform player in the enterprise technology space. As more businesses look to harness generative AI for insights and automation, the demand for tools that enable secure, high-performance model training and deployment is growing rapidly. With Predibase now in its fold, Rubrik is positioning itself to be at the center of this next wave of enterprise AI adoption.

    Google Teams Up with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to Launch AI-Powered Smart Glasses

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    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.

    Tech IPO Market Stirs Back to Life After Years of Drought

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    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.

    IonQ Acquires Capella Space to Build Quantum-Secure Satellite Network

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    – IonQ has agreed to acquire Capella Space to accelerate its development of a global quantum key distribution (QKD) network.
    – Capella’s radar imaging satellites will help enable space-based secure communication for defense and commercial sectors.
    – The acquisition follows IonQ’s broader strategy to dominate quantum networking through vertical integration and space-based infrastructure

    Quantum computing firm IonQ is doubling down on its ambitions in secure communication. On Wednesday, the Maryland-based company announced a deal to acquire Capella Space, a satellite imaging firm known for its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, in a move designed to supercharge its push into quantum networking.

    The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for IonQ, as it shifts from primarily offering quantum computing solutions to developing a space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) network. QKD is seen as essential for enabling unhackable communication channels in a future where classical encryption could be rendered obsolete by quantum computers.

    Capella, based in San Francisco, operates four commercial satellites that collect high-resolution X-band SAR imagery, useful for intelligence, disaster response, and maritime surveillance. The company has additional satellite launches planned for this year, which will expand its imaging capabilities and support IonQ’s space-to-space and space-to-ground QKD efforts.

    According to IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi, the acquisition will “deepen and accelerate IonQ’s quantum networking leadership” by combining Capella’s satellite infrastructure with IonQ’s quantum technologies. “We have an exceptional opportunity to accelerate our vision for the quantum internet,” he said.

    In addition to providing satellite assets, Capella also brings a valuable facility security clearance, enabling closer collaboration with U.S. defense and intelligence agencies—key customers for quantum-secure communications.

    The Capella deal is the latest in a string of strategic moves by IonQ. Earlier this year, it acquired Qubitekk, a specialist in quantum networking, and Lightsynq Technologies, a startup founded by former Harvard researchers focused on quantum memory. IonQ has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Intellian Technologies, a satellite hardware manufacturer, to explore integrating quantum networking into future satellite ground systems.

    Capella CEO Frank Backes echoed the enthusiasm, saying the integration of Capella’s radar imaging with IonQ’s quantum computing would enhance global defense and commercial missions through “ultra-secure environments.”

    The transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2025 pending regulatory approval, continues a trend of quantum-tech consolidation as players position themselves to meet anticipated demand for secure communications in both government and private sectors. As cyber threats grow and classical encryption ages, the ability to offer end-to-end quantum-secure channels—especially via space infrastructure—may become a competitive necessity.

    IonQ’s aggressive strategy has drawn investor interest, with its stock gaining momentum in recent weeks. As the quantum industry matures, vertical integration—spanning hardware, software, and infrastructure—is becoming increasingly critical.

    If successful, IonQ’s vision for a global quantum-secure network could reshape how sensitive data is protected and transmitted across borders, laying the groundwork for a new era of secure, quantum-powered communication.

    OpenAI Reverses Course: Nonprofit to Retain Control Amid Legal and Public Pressure

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    In a major strategic shift, OpenAI announced Monday that it will no longer pursue a full for-profit transformation and will instead maintain its original nonprofit governance structure. The decision, which follows months of internal and external pressure, reaffirms the organization’s commitment to building artificial general intelligence (AGI) for the benefit of humanity — not just shareholders.

    The announcement came in a letter from CEO Sam Altman, who cited conversations with civic leaders and discussions with the Attorneys General of California and Delaware as key factors behind the change. “We made the decision for the nonprofit to stay in control,” Altman wrote, emphasizing a renewed focus on public interest and ethical stewardship of AI technologies like ChatGPT.

    OpenAI was originally founded in 2015 as a nonprofit with the ambitious goal of ensuring that AGI — artificial intelligence that can outperform humans across a broad range of tasks — would be developed safely and equitably. Over time, however, the organization layered on a “capped-profit” arm to attract commercial investment and scale operations. That for-profit entity will now be restructured into a public benefit corporation (PBC) — a legally recognized business type that must weigh public impact alongside financial returns.

    Bret Taylor, chair of OpenAI’s nonprofit board, clarified that this new structure aims to balance mission and market. “The public benefit corporation model ensures we can grow while staying true to our founding purpose,” he said.

    The move comes as OpenAI faces intensifying legal, political, and ethical scrutiny. One major flashpoint is an ongoing lawsuit filed by co-founder Elon Musk, who accused the company and Altman of straying from its original principles. While a federal judge recently dismissed several of Musk’s claims, parts of the case will proceed to trial next year. The lawsuit has amplified a broader debate over whether cutting-edge AI development should be governed by public-interest frameworks or private market incentives.

    In addition to legal pressure, OpenAI has come under the microscope from the Attorneys General of California and Delaware — the two jurisdictions where the company operates and is incorporated. Advocacy groups and former employees had petitioned both states’ top law enforcement officials to intervene, arguing that OpenAI’s planned restructuring posed a risk to its charitable mission.

    Critics feared a future in which OpenAI — armed with the capability to develop superhuman AI — could shift its focus toward profit maximization at the expense of public safety. These concerns, coupled with growing public reliance on ChatGPT (which now boasts over 400 million weekly users), helped fuel a backlash against the proposed governance changes.

    Ultimately, the reversal signals that OpenAI is listening. By recommitting to nonprofit oversight, the company aims to rebuild trust and reinforce its identity as a mission-driven organization — even as it operates at the forefront of one of the world’s most powerful technological revolutions.

    Whether this hybrid model can withstand the pressures of a $300 billion valuation and commercial demand remains to be seen. But for now, OpenAI has chosen public accountability over private control — a move that may shape the future of AI governance for years to come.

    Release – Snail Games Reports April 2025 Momentum with Key Franchise Expansions, New Indie Horror IP Releases, and Strategic Publishing Growth

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    Research News and Market Data on Snail

    May 1, 2025 at 8:30 AM EDT

    CULVER CITY, Calif., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, today highlighted major milestones across its portfolio for April 2025, including expansions within the ARK franchise, a content milestone for Bellwright, and multiple IP launches under Wandering Wizard, the Company’s independent indie publishing label.

    ARK Franchise Strengthens with New Content
    Snail Games continued to build on the momentum of its flagship sandbox survival IP with two major content updates:

    • Eggcellent Adventure Returns to ARK: Survival Ascended
      The seasonal Eggcellent Adventure event reinforces seasonal events as a key strategy for retention and re-engagement.
    • Extinction Map Launches in ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition
      The rollout of the Extinction map on mobile represents a continued push into high-growth mobile markets. This update supports Snail Games’ long-term vision of delivering premium survival experiences across multiple platforms, making the IP more accessible to a broader audience of players.

    In addition to new content releases, Snail Games continues to prepare for the 10-year anniversary of its flagship ARK: Survival Evolved, with the anticipated upcoming release of its new expansion map DLC, ARK: Aquatica.

    Bellwright Marks One Year in Early Access with Major Update
    April 2025 also marked the one-year Early Access anniversary for Bellwright. The update introduced significant new content and player-requested features. With a growing player base and positive community sentiment, Bellwright reflects Snail’s commitment to long-term support and scalable IP growth.

    Notable Update Features include:

    • Animal Husbandry & Advanced Resource Systems
      Players can now raise livestock through new husbandry structures, producing essential resources like milk, eggs, and meat. Paired with the new Butchery system, this deepens the economy and rewards strategic village management.
    • Fishing & Exploration Enhancements
      A full-featured fishing system with diverse fish types, mini-games, and a Fishing Hut adds immersive gameplay variety. New locations, including caves, swamps, and mountain trails, further expand the world’s exploration potential.
    • Quality-of-Life Upgrades & Narrative Expansion
      A major crafting UI overhaul, savable squad rosters, and over 25 new quests enhance both accessibility and long-term player retention.

    Wandering Wizard Celebrates New Game Launches and Acquisition
    Snail Inc’s indie publishing label Wandering Wizard deepened its footprint in the horror space with two notable releases and a strategic publishing deal.

    • Launches of The Cecil: The Journey Begins and Chasmal Fear
      In April 2025, Wandering Wizard expanded its catalog with the launch of two horror titles, The Cecil: The Journey Begins and Chasmal Fear. Both games highlight the creativity and passion of small indie teams — with The Cecil: The Journey Begins crafted by a solo developer and Chasmal Fear brought to life by a duo of brothers. These releases underscore Wandering Wizard’s commitment to empowering independent creators and bringing bold, fresh voices to the gaming community.
    • Publishing Rights Secured for Whispers of West Grove
      The acquisition of publishing rights to Whispers of West Grove adds another indie horror experience to the Wandering Wizard portfolio, aligning with Snail Games’ strategy of identifying high-potential indie IPs with organic audience momentum.

    These achievements reflect Snail Games’ continued execution across its core franchises, emerging IPs, and strategic publishing initiatives. As the Company moves into the second quarter, it remains focused on the 10-year anniversary of ARK: Survival Evolved, the anticipated launch of the ARK: Aquatica DLC, expanding its global reach, investing in scalable growth opportunities, and delivering fresh experiences that engage players across multiple platforms and genres.

    For Creators interested in collaborative opportunities reach out to creatordirect@noiz.gg

    For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional details, please contact: press@snailgamesusa.com

    About Snail, Inc.
    Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. For more information, please visit: https://snail.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expansions within the ARK franchise, development of new content, a content milestone for Bellwright, and multiple IP launches under Wandering Wizard, the Company’s independent indie publishing label. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Investor Contact:
    John Yi and Steven Shinmachi
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860
    SNAL@gateway-grp.com

    Kestra Medical Technologies Prices Upsized IPO at $17 Per Share

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    – Kestra Medical Technologies has priced its upsized initial public offering (IPO) of 11,882,352 common shares at $17.00 per share, aiming to raise approximately $202 million.
    – Shares are set to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on March 6, 2025, under the ticker symbol “KMTS.”
    – Kestra specializes in wearable medical devices and digital healthcare solutions, particularly for cardiovascular disease monitoring and intervention.

    Kestra Medical Technologies, a Kirkland, Washington-based company specializing in wearable medical devices and digital healthcare solutions, has announced the pricing of its upsized initial public offering (IPO). The company is offering 11,882,352 common shares at a public offering price of $17.00 per share, with gross proceeds expected to be approximately $202 million, excluding any exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. This option allows underwriters a 30-day period to acquire up to 1,782,352 additional common shares at the IPO price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

    Trading of Kestra’s common shares is scheduled to commence on March 6, 2025, on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “KMTS.” The closing of the offering is anticipated to occur on March 7, 2025, contingent upon the fulfillment of customary closing conditions.

    The IPO is being led by prominent financial institutions, with BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and Piper Sandler acting as lead bookrunners. Wells Fargo Securities and Stifel are serving as bookrunners, while Wolfe | Nomura Alliance is participating as co-manager for the offering.

    Kestra Medical Technologies is a commercial-stage company focused on transforming patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease through intuitive, intelligent, and connected monitoring and therapeutic intervention technologies. Their flagship product, the ASSURE® Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD) system, is designed to provide automatic detection and defibrillation for ventricular arrhythmias, offering a modern approach to sudden cardiac arrest protection. The ASSURE system integrates with the Kestra CareStation™ remote patient data platform, enabling configurable notifications for clinical events and trending of physiological and device data at any time.

    The company’s decision to go public comes amid increasing demand for wearable medical technology, particularly in the cardiovascular sector. As heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, there is a growing market for advanced monitoring and intervention solutions. Kestra’s innovative approach to real-time monitoring and emergency response through connected devices positions it as a competitive player in this expanding industry. The funds raised through the IPO will likely support further research and development, product expansion, and potential strategic partnerships to enhance its market presence.

    Investors will be closely watching the stock’s performance following its debut on the Nasdaq. Given the strong interest in digital healthcare and the increasing adoption of wearable medical devices, Kestra’s IPO could attract significant attention from both institutional and retail investors. The success of this offering could also signal broader investor confidence in the future of digital health solutions, particularly those that leverage artificial intelligence and real-time data tracking to improve patient outcomes.

    Microsoft Enters Quantum Hardware Race

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    – Microsoft’s entry into quantum hardware could reshape competitive dynamics in the quantum computing market
    – Integration potential with AI suggests broader implications for tech sector valuations
    – Early-stage quantum companies may face increased pressure as tech giants advance their capabilities

    The tech investment landscape is witnessing a seismic shift as Microsoft unveils its Majorana 1 quantum chip, marking a crucial moment that could reshape investment strategies across both quantum-specific and broader technology portfolios. This development signals a potential acceleration in the commercialization timeline for quantum computing, challenging current market valuations and investment theses.

    While quantum computing stocks like IonQ (+237% in 2024) and Rigetti (+1,500%) have seen spectacular gains, Microsoft’s entry into quantum hardware manufacturing raises important questions about the sustainability of pure-play quantum investments. The tech giant’s decision to manufacture its quantum chips in-house, rather than relying on traditional semiconductor fabrication partners, suggests a potential restructuring of the quantum supply chain that investors need to consider.

    The market implications of this development extend far beyond the quantum computing sector. Microsoft’s strategic positioning of quantum computing as an AI enhancement tool points to a broader technology ecosystem play. This convergence could significantly impact valuations across the tech sector, particularly for companies involved in AI infrastructure and development.

    Traditional tech investors should pay particular attention to Microsoft’s timeline projection. The company’s assertion that practical quantum applications are “years, not decades” away could accelerate investment in quantum-ready infrastructure and security solutions. This shift could benefit companies developing quantum-resistant cryptography and quantum software development tools.

    The ripple effects are already visible in the venture capital space, with increased investment flowing into quantum-adjacent technologies. Startups working on quantum software, error correction, and control systems are attracting significant attention, even as the hardware segment becomes more competitive with major tech players entering the field.

    For institutional investors, Microsoft’s advancement suggests a potential restructuring of quantum investment strategies. Rather than focusing solely on pure-play quantum companies, a more nuanced approach considering the entire quantum value chain – from basic research to commercial applications – may be prudent.

    The development also raises questions about the future of quantum cloud services. While Microsoft plans to keep Majorana 1 focused on research partnerships, the company’s hints at future cloud integration through Azure could pressure current quantum-as-a-service providers. This dynamic might force investors to reassess the valuation metrics for companies whose business models rely heavily on quantum cloud service revenue.

    Looking ahead, investors should monitor several key indicators: the pace of quantum patent filings, quantum-ready cybersecurity adoption rates, and strategic partnerships between quantum hardware providers and traditional tech companies. These metrics could provide early signals of quantum technology’s transition from research to commercial applications.