LeddarTech Appoints Chris Stewart as Chief Financial Officer

QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech®, an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology for ADAS and AD, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Chris Stewart as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).

As CFO at LeddarTech, Mr. Stewart will be instrumental in supporting LeddarTech in completing its recently announced business combination with Prospector Capital Corp. and transitioning to a publicly traded company.

Mr. Stewart has over 20 years of financial management experience at companies ranging from startups to large public companies. Mr. Stewart previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Bionano Genomics Inc. (NASDAQ: BNGO) from September 2020 until joining LeddarTech in November 2023, Head of Maxwell Ultracapacitors at Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) from May 2019 to July 2020 and as Vice President of Finance and Information Technology at Maxwell Technologies Inc., a public energy storage company, from July 2015 to May 2019, at which time the company was acquired by Tesla. In addition, Mr. Stewart held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance at Entropic Communications and Chief Financial Officer of V-ENABLE Inc. (currently GroundTruth), a leader in targeted mobile advertising.

Mr. Stewart received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and his M.S. in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.

“I am thrilled to join such a visionary company and work alongside LeddarTech’s employees at such an exciting time,” stated Mr. Stewart. “I eagerly anticipate forging formidable alliances at all levels, including with LeddarTech’s shareholders and its board of directors and leadership team, and support LeddarTech as it works toward completing its business combination and operating as a publicly traded company. I am extremely energized by LeddarTech’s accomplishments and look forward to helping it realize all of its potential.”

Mr. Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech, commented: “I am very pleased that Chris has joined the executive team of LeddarTech as Chief Financial Officer. As an accomplished financial executive with extensive experience in leading and optimizing the financial operations of various organizations, Chris has a strong track record of managing and transforming financial functions to drive profitability and growth. Chris’s skill set perfectly aligns with LeddarTech’s strategic goals.”

LeddarTech Inc. (“LeddarTech”) and Prospector Capital Corp. (“Prospector”) (NASDAQ: PRSR, PRSRU, PRSRW), a Cayman Islands exempted company led by former Qualcomm President Derek Aberle and chaired by former Qualcomm Vice Chairman Steve Altman, are party to a definitive business combination agreement that, upon completion of the business combination, would result in LeddarTech becoming a publicly listed company. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected during the fourth quarter of 2023, the combined company formed through the business combination, LeddarTech Holdings Inc. (“Newco”), is expected to be listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

About LeddarTech

A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal, Toronto and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment, allowing for better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 150 patent applications (80 granted) that enhance ADAS and AD capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About Prospector Capital Corp.

Prospector is a special-purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses with a focus on companies with advanced and highly differentiated solutions for the technology sector. The company is led by a team of experienced investors and executives focused on identifying and investing in high-growth companies with strong management teams and attractive market opportunities. Prospector’s securities are traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbols “PRSR,” “PRSRU” and “PRSRW.”

Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco will prepare and will file with the SEC the registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”), and Prospector will mail the proxy statement/prospectus contained within the Registration Statement to its shareholders and file other documents regarding the business combination with the SEC. This press release is not a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or other documents Prospector or Newco may file with the SEC in connection with the business combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY PROSPECTOR OR NEWCO WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION, BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and other documents filed with the SEC by Prospector or Newco through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act (which forward-looking statements shall also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements regarding the business combination involving Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco, the ability to consummate the business combination and the timing thereof, the anticipated benefits from the business combination, the closing of the private placement financing and expected proceeds therefrom and statements relating to Newco’s anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the risk that the conditions to the closing of the business combination are not satisfied, including the failure to timely or at all obtain shareholder approval for the business combination or the failure to timely or at all obtain any required regulatory clearances, including of the Superior Court of Justice of Québec; (ii) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the business combination and the ability of each of Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco to consummate the business combination; (iii) the possibility that other anticipated benefits of the business combination will not be realized, and the anticipated tax treatment of the business combination; (iv) the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the business combination; (v) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the business combination or other settlements or investigations may affect the timing or occurrence of the business combination or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (vi) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (vii) possible disruptions from the business combination that could harm LeddarTech’s business; (viii) the ability of LeddarTech to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (ix) potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or other parties resulting from the announcement or completion of the business combination; (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the business combination that could affect LeddarTech’s financial performance; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak (including COVID-19), as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xiii) access to capital and financing and LeddarTech’s ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants; and (xiv) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Prospector’s reports filed with the SEC, including Prospector’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, periodic Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, periodic Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the SEC, as well as the risk factors to be contained in the Registration Statement. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Neither Prospector nor LeddarTech can give any assurance that the conditions to the business combination will be satisfied. Except as required by applicable law, neither Prospector nor LeddarTech undertakes any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Prospector or Newco, a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

Participants in Solicitation

Prospector, LeddarTech and Newco, and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination. Information about the directors and executive officers of Prospector can be found in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the business combination, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials when they are filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the source indicated above.

Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8979411

New Report From ApplyBoard Highlights Need For Alignment Across International Education Sector

ApplyBoard’s third annual trends report uncovers the top trends in international education for 2024 and beyond

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ApplyBoard, the leading international student mobility technology platform, has released its third annual trends report, intended to help stakeholders in international education navigate the increasingly competitive sector landscape. The report, Alignment for Student and Institution Success: Top Trends in International Education for 2024 and Beyond, leverages extensive industry data, proprietary ApplyBoard intelligence, exclusive surveys, and candid student interviews to uncover the trends most likely to impact student mobility in the coming years.

Demand for international education is at an all-time high. In each of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, student visa applications rose by at least 23% in 2022, and numbers continued to rise through 2023. With so many students going abroad, the report argues that it is essential that governments, institutions, and businesses align programs, policies, and priorities to develop more pathways for prosperity for all stakeholders. For example, institutions can better ensure student success by working with businesses to identify workforce needs and designing programs that train students capable of filling them.

“More than ever, alignment is needed across the international education sector to ensure the success of students and institutions alike,” says Meti Basiri, Co-Founder and CEO of ApplyBoard. “When governments, institutions, and businesses work collectively in pursuit of common goals, students receive a better educational experience and are better positioned to succeed during and after their studies. At ApplyBoard, we’re committed to working with our partners to bring this standard to life.”

Key findings from this year’s report include:

 

  • Major English-speaking destination countries face increased competition from non-Anglophone destination markets entering 2024.
  • Aging destination markets need skilled workers in areas like health and STEM, but institutions need to better align student inflows with these job market needs in order to both fill these roles and ensure student success. 
    • Job demand in health care is expected to grow by at least 13% by 2031 in both Canada and the US. Aging populations require increased health care services, and international students will be critical for filling the gaps.
    • Destination markets will face significant skills shortages in STEM in the coming years, but lack of knowledge and mentorship regarding these fields mean international students are not well positioned to address these shortages.
  • Replacing retirees will require alignment on stay-and-work messaging: 48% of students interested in studying in North America and the UK are looking for a clear path to permanent residency post-degree.
  • Housing shortages, upcoming elections and new government policies will all shape student sentiment in the years to come.
  • Student diversity is needed to ensure the long-term health of the international education sector. Nigeria, the Philippines, and Colombia are three countries where strategic recruitment efforts could pay dividends for institutions.

 

Uncover these insights and more by reading ApplyBoard’s Trends Report online here.

About ApplyBoard
ApplyBoard empowers students around the world to access the best education by simplifying the study abroad search, application, and acceptance process to more than 1,750 institutions across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. ApplyBoard, headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, has helped more than 600,000 students from more than 125 countries along their educational journeys since 2015. To learn more, visit: www.applyboard.com

Brooke Kelly
ApplyBoard
226-220-5319
brooke.kelly@applyboard.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8979086

AI-Media to Showcase Cutting-Edge Captioning Tech at Global Media Congress

AI-Media at Global Media Congress

AI-Media provides cutting edge caption and translation solution at Global Media Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Media Congress is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from November 14 to 16, 2023, following its successful 2022 edition. This year, AI-Media,  will play a central role as the live caption and translation provider, offering advanced solutions to enhance the live event experience.

In today’s world, events like the Global Media Congress provide a valuable platform for media professionals to connect, discover trends, and collaborate. Ensuring that the content reaches a diverse, international audience is crucial, and AI-Media’s technology is making this more achievable than ever.

James Ward, Chief Sales Officer, AI-Media, commented about the event:

“I am thrilled to see AI-Media’s innovative captioning and translation solutions take centre stage at the Global Media Congress. Our technology is not just a game-changer; it’s a bridge-builder, enabling diverse audiences to connect seamlessly and engage in a global conversation. We’re proud to contribute to making events like this more accessible, inclusive, and internationally connected.”

AI-Media’s Innovative Solution Features:

  • Remote Translation to 5 UN Languages: AI-Media’s technology can seamlessly translate content from English into five United Nations languages: Arabic, French, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish. This capability eliminates language barriers and promotes inclusivity.
  • Audio Translation on the Same Stream: In addition to text translation, AI-Media offers real-time audio translation, allowing attendees to listen to content in their preferred language, enhancing engagement.
  • Accessibility for All: In-venue attendees can access live translated content from their own smartphones or web devices through the event app. This simple solution makes events more accessible and engaging for all participants.

Expanding Reach and Enhancing Satisfaction:

AI-Media’s captioning and translation technology goes beyond convenience; it broadens the reach of events and broadcasts. Offering multilingual content and real-time translation can significantly increase global reach and satisfaction levels, creating more immersive experiences for all.

AI-Media’s LEXI captioning and translation solutions are at the forefront of making events like the Global Media Congress more accessible, inclusive, and globally connected. By overcoming language barriers, AI-Media facilitates cultural exchange and shared knowledge.

For inquiries about how AI-Media can enhance your next event or broadcast with inclusive, multilingual content, visit AI-MEDIA.TV

About AI-Media
Founded in Australia in 2003, technology company AI-Media is a global leader in live and recorded captioning, transcription and translation solutions. The company helps the world’s leading broadcasters, enterprises and government agencies ensure high accuracy, secure and cost-effective captioning via its AI-powered LEXI automatic captioning solution. LEXI captions are delivered to millions of screens worldwide via AI-Media’s range of captioning encoders and its iCap Cloud Network – the world’s largest, most secure caption delivery network. Globally, AI-Media delivers over 8 million minutes of live and recorded media monthly. AI-Media trades on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:AIM. For more information, please visit AI-Media.tv.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/156e404f-5cc8-4ddc-8f1a-ffac86ebdb33

Media Contact: 
Fiona Habben 
Senior Marketing Manager – Global 
Fiona.habben@ai-media.tv

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8978024

EB5 Capital’s NYC Ritz-Carlton (JF22) Project Receives I-829 Approvals

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EB5 Capital, a prominent leader in the EB-5 investment industry, is pleased to announce that investors in their NYC Ritz-Carlton (JF22) project have started receiving I-829 approvals from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS issues I-829 approvals, or permanent residency, to investors who have met stringent USCIS vetting requirements and demonstrated that their EB-5 investment created at least ten full-time jobs for the US economy.

JF22 is a 250-room luxury hotel development with 16 penthouse condominiums in the NoMad district of Manhattan in New York City. The 38-story Marriott branded hotel is centrally located, just north of Madison Square Park, adjacent to the 28th Street subway station, and less than a 10-minute walk to both Grand Central Station and Penn Station. The hotel’s food and beverage program is managed by world-class Michelin-starred chef, José Andrés.

“Reaching the I-829 approval stage is a critical milestone in the EB-5 immigration process,” said Brian Ostar, President of EB5 Capital. “It indicates to USCIS that the project was built, the jobs were created, and the EB-5 investors are now eligible for permanent residency. We are very pleased with this first approval notice in our JF22 Ritz-Carlton project, and we look forward to receiving additional approvals from USCIS soon.”

EB5 Capital played a vital role in financing the construction of this project by successfully raising $184 million to support its development. The hotel opened to the public in July 2022 and created over 4,200 jobs for New York City, more than enough jobs to support all 368 foreign investors in the project. JF22 is one of many EB5 Capital projects across the US contributing to job creation and economic growth, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to making a positive economic impact wherever it invests.

About EB5 Capital

EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program). As one of the country’s oldest and most active Regional Center operators, the firm has raised more than one billion dollars of foreign capital across nearly 40 EB-5 projects. Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capital’s distinguished track record and leadership in the industry has attracted investors from over 70 countries. Please visit www.eb5capital.com for more information.

Contact:
Katherine Willis
Director, Marketing & Communications
media@eb5capital.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8978265

Ma’aden to play pivotal role in addressing industry challenges at Future Minerals Forum 2024

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) announced today that Ma’aden will return as a Founding Partner to the event for the third consecutive year. Ma’aden, the largest multi-commodity natural resources company in the Middle East, will play a central role again in discussions shaping the global minerals sector during FMF 2024 in January.

This event will focus on creating resilient and responsible mineral value chains in the resource-rich mineral super region of Africa, Western and Central Asia. FMF 2024 will convene government leaders, mining executives, investors, and other stakeholders to drive partnership and growth contributing to a sustainable sector and strengthening global minerals supply chains.

Last year at FMF Ma’aden made a series of significant announcements including a major joint venture with PIF, Manara Minerals, supporting global minerals supply chains that are critical to the energy transition. Ma’aden also announced milestone agreements with global mining leaders Ivanhoe Electric and Barrick Gold Corporation helping to drive forward the development of the Kingdom’s mining sector.

The Forum plays a key role in supporting investment and partnerships in Saudi Arabia and globally.

Exciting new initiatives that will be discussed at FMF 2024 include increasing human resource capacity and talent in the region through centers of excellence; developing sustainability standards that meet the requirements of host countries and maintain trust with society; and creating a green metals hub within the super region by utilizing modern technologies and developing processing centers.

FMF 2023 was a resounding success, with over 9,000 participants attending in person and over 13,000 participating remotely. FMF 2024 is expected to have an even wider reach, with a focus on actionable solutions to the challenges facing the mining and minerals sector.

FMF 2024 will be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center in Riyadh from January 9-11, 2024.

To learn more about FMF 2024 and to register for the event, please visit https://www.futuremineralsforum.com/registration/.

Omar Shereen
PHONE NUMBER: +966506630489
Email: omar.shereen@fleishman.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000899135