Day: April 18, 2023

South African commercial property specialty lender selects nCino’s cloud banking platform to grow business and improve access to finance for property entrepreneurs in affordable housing

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — nCino, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCNO), a pioneer in cloud banking for the global financial services industry, today announced that TUHF has selected nCino’s cloud banking platform to improve the lending process for its customers and support the entire credit lifecycle journey across its commercial loan book. By partnering with nCino, TUHF will modernize its operations to achieve key business goals including increasing efficiency, driving growth, and reducing costs.

South Africa faces significant shortages in affordable, safe housing and huge urban sprawl. TUHF, as the leading impact investor in affordable housing in the country, makes a positive social impact by providing commercial property development loans to clients seeking to deliver affordable residential units where they are most needed in city townships. By utilizing nCino’s cloud banking platform, TUHF will be able to accelerate its lending processes and scale its business efficiently, to effectively increase its ability to drive urban densification and combat urban sprawl.

“TUHF’s goal is good business, and to do good by empowering entrepreneurs to transform the cities and townships of South Africa. We are confident that the nCino solution will provide the flexibility and scalability we need to achieve our growth ambitions,” said Paul Jackson, CEO at TUHF. “We anticipate that the partnership with nCino will drive significant value for our clients while enabling us to stay aligned to our core values.”

TUHF sought an end-to-end technology partner that would provide cloud-native journeys for its clients and employees, helping to consolidate and streamline the lending process. nCino provides transparency and 360 customer view, offering a single source of truth across all stages of the lending journey, including loan origination, underwriting, credit sanctioning, disbursement, and in-life-cycle management.

“We’re excited to equip TUHF with the technology it needs to make a greater impact on the communities it serves,” said Kate Jane Johnsen, Regional Vice President at nCino. “As an agile solution, we trust that the nCino platform will deliver value to TUHF for many years to come, empowering the institution to improve its competitive advantage and continue making human connections with their clients who seek to make positive social impacts across South Africa.”

About nCino
nCino (NASDAQ: NCNO) is the worldwide leader in cloud banking. Built by bankers for bankers, the nCino cloud banking platform is a single, multi-tenant software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that helps financial institutions modernize, innovate and outperform. A pioneer in the global financial services industry, nCino is a proven partner that has helped more than 1,850 financial institutions of all sizes and complexities, including global CIBs; enterprise, regional and community banks; credit unions; new market entrants; and independent mortgage banks power distinctive experiences, drive growth efficiencies, and run with full integrity. For more information, visit www.ncino.com.

About TUHF
TUHF Limited is a commercial property financier that provides specialised financial services and solutions to its clients in affordable rental housing in the large metropolitans across South Africa, based on the Group’s in-depth market knowledge and targeted business model.

Through its inclusive growth and transformation objectives, TUHF’s financial services and solutions are purposely designed to finance in-city and township property entrepreneurs, who understand these markets and have a strong appetite to grow their property portfolios, generate wealth, and contribute to urban densification and regeneration. To date, TUHF has financed over R7 billion in affordable residential rental property – 46 374 units financed by TUHF from inception to 2023 – and has supported hundreds of successful property entrepreneurs in reaching their dreams of running sustainable residential rental businesses. www.tuhf.co.za

Media Contacts

nCino
Natalia Moose
+44 0 7825211135
natalia.moose@ncino.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally include actions, events, results, strategies and expectations and are often identifiable by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “might,” or “continues” or similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon nCino’s historical performance and its current plans, estimates, and expectations, and are not a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. These forward-looking statements represent nCino’s expectations as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events may cause these expectations to change and, except as may be required by law, nCino does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially including, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to the market adoption of our solution, competition, international expansion, and privacy and data security matters. Additional risks and uncertainties that could affect nCino’s business and financial results are included in reports filed by nCino with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available on our web site at www.ncino.com or the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov). Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in other filings nCino makes with the SEC from time to time.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8809353

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kiplin Metals Inc. (TSX-V: KIP) (the “Company” or “Kiplin”) has appointed Grander Exploration to carry out the upcoming phase of exploration at the Cluff Lake Road (“CLR”) uranium project. The project is located in northwestern Saskatchewan and is surrounded by F3 Uranium Corp.’s (formerly Fission 3.0) (“F3”) highly acclaimed Patterson Lake North (PLN) project.

The western boundary of the Company’s CLR property is shared with F3’s adjacent “North Conductor Complex”, which trends South-Southeast and extends onto the CLR property. Previous owner Fission Uranium Corp. (“FISSION”) and F3 have conducted multiple geophysical surveys, including (VTEM – helicopter-borne versatile time domain Electromagnetic), TEM (HT SQUID and Coil moving-loop TEM), and DC Resistivity, that overlapped the western flank of the CLR property. Grander Exploration and Company personnel are evaluating the most effective type of geophysical surveys to undertake on the CLR property. These surveys will correlate with F3’s previous surveys and will better define and extend the North Conductor Complex on the CLR property. To date, F3 has completed the only one drill hole (PLN22-29) in the area (Press Release November 28, 2022).

Following F3’s recent (November 2022) discovery of the high-grade JR Uranium Zone (located 15 kilometres South-southwest of the CLR property), the Company considers the similarities of the North Conductor Complex on the CLR property as a top exploration priority. F3’s North Conductor Complex consists of three parallel conductors that span a width of one kilometre. The Company believes that all three North Conductors identified by F3 may continue and extend onto the Company’s CLR property. Additionally, the Company has defined both parallel and cross-cutting magnetic lineaments on their CLR property.

The promising geology, alteration, and mineralization observed in the single drill hole (PLN22-029) in the area, along with the presence of multiple EM conductors and magnetic lineaments on the CLR property, make it highly prospective for the discovery of a uranium deposit hosted in the basement. The Company will provide updates on its work plans as soon as they become available.

The Company cautions the discoveries and observations on properties in proximity to the Company’s properties are not necessarily indicative of the presence of similar mineralization or geology on the Company’s properties.

Dr. Peter Born, PGeo, is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for and has approved the technical information contained in this release.

About Kiplin Metals Inc.
Kiplin Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company that creates value for its shareholders by identifying and developing highly prospective mineral exploration opportunities. The company’s vertically integrated strategy aims to advance projects from discovery to production, providing exceptional shareholder value throughout the entire mining process.

One of the projects in Kiplin Metals’ portfolio is the Cluff Lake Road Uranium Project, in which the company has the right to earn a one-hundred percent interest. The CLR Project covers an approximate area of 531 hectares in the southwestern Athabasca Basin of northern Saskatchewan. This area has seen several new discoveries, including the Arrow and Triple R Uranium deposits. The CLR Project is located 5 km east of the Cluff Lake Road (Hwy 955), which leads to the historic Cluff Lake Mine. This mine has a production history of approximately 62,000,000 lbs of yellowcake uranium.

For additional information, interested parties may contact the Company at info@kiplinmetals.com or visit its website at www.kiplinmetals.com.

On behalf of the Board,

Kiplin Metals Inc.

For further information, contact the Company at 604-622-1199.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

“Peter Born”
Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8809840

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) (“VCI Global”, or the “Company”) today announced the closing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 1,280,000 ordinary shares at a price to the public of $4.00 per share. The aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering were $5,120,000, prior to deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and Offering expenses.

Boustead Securities, LLC and Sutter Securities, Inc. are acting as the underwriters for the Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-268109) relating to these securities was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and was declared effective on March 30, 2023. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. A copy of the final prospectus relating to the Offering has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. A copy of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained, when available from Boustead Securities, LLC by way of emailing requests to offerings@boustead1828.com; or by calling 1-949-502-4408; or by request by standard mail to Boustead Securities, LLC, Attention: Equity Capital Markets, 6 Venture, Suite 395, Irvine, California 92618, USA.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About VCI Global Limited

VCI Global is a multi-disciplinary consulting group with key advisory practices in the areas of business and technology. The Company provides business and boardroom strategy services, investor relation services, and technology consultancy services. Its clients range from small-medium enterprises and government-linked agencies to publicly traded companies across a broad array of industries. VCI Global operates solely in Malaysia, with clients predominantly from Malaysia, but also serves some clients from China, Singapore, and the US.

For more information on the Company, please log on to https://v-capital.co/.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company’s ability to grow its business and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, customer acceptance of new products, the effects of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and future measures taken by authorities in the countries wherein the Company has supply chain partners, the demand for the Company’s products and the Company’s customers’ economic condition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, successfully managing and, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release, except in accordance with applicable law.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Issued by Imej Jiwa Communications Sdn Bhd and ICR Inc. on behalf of VCI Global Limited
For media queries, please contact:

Imej Jiwa Communications Sdn Bhd
Chris Chuah
Email: chris@imejjiwa.com

ICR Inc.
Investor Relations
Michael Bowen
Vciglobal.ir@icrinc.com

Public Relations
Brad Burgess
Vciglobal.pr@icrinc.com

Boustead Securities, LLC
Underwriter
Dan McClory, Head of Equity Capital Markets
dan@boustead1828.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8809653

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen announced today the launch of Sweetensify Flavors, its newest flavor tool for food and beverage producers, to create better-for-everyone products. Powered by Sweegen’s novel sweet protein technology that includes brazzein, thaumatin II, and other unique proteins, Sweetensify Flavors improve and modulate sweet flavor, creating a sugar-like experience, thereby pushing the boundaries of healthier product innovation.

“Sweetensify Flavors will change how product developers think about reducing or eliminating sugar in beverages and foods,” said Casey McCormick, vice president of global innovation at Sweegen. “The flavor expression enabled by Sweetensify Flavors optimizes the sensory experience and enables a more sugar-like taste. It is substantially better than any previous technology. We target taste receptors on a biochemistry level that others simply cannot.”

Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors debuts brazzein, the company’s highly sought-after sweet protein, as well as thaumatin II. At the time of the Sweetensify announcement, Sweegen’s thaumatin II received the Flavor Extract Manufacturer’s Association (FEMA) GRAS status.

“Our regulatory vision is to open global markets and enable brands to access unique ingredients that will support their food and beverage creativity while delivering on health and wellness,” said Hadi Omrani, senior director of technical and regulatory affairs at Sweegen.

Sweet proteins like brazzein have an affinity for different taste receptors on the tongue, especially the receptor known as T1R3, which is associated with both umami and sweetness perception. Leveraging this unique attribute, Sweetensify Flavors will enable product developers to reduce the amount of sugar they use in products while maintaining the quality of characteristic flavors and sweetness.

Thaumatin II belongs to a family of sweet-tasting proteins called thaumatins. Thaumatin II is a variant of the original thaumatin protein with a similar structure and sweetness profile. Thaumatins are known for their intense sweetness, several times greater than sucrose (table sugar). Brazzein is also several thousand times sweeter than sugar, making it a cost-effective tool for brands on a large scale. Thaumatin II is considered safe for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The entire collection of Sweetensify Flavors has a wide range of benefits across sweet and savory applications, including enhancing flavor tonalities, blocking bitterness, reducing astringency and sweet linger, eliminating unwanted aftertastes, reducing sugar use, and blocking the burn from alcohol.

“Our product development teams are finding incredible synergies between Sweetensify Flavors and Sweegen’s state-of-the-art stevia systems,” said McCormick. “Ultimately, our solutions challenge the taste and cost of artificial sweeteners currently on the market.” McCormick further states, “Our customers are excited about the cross-application utility of the flavor collection enabled by the great pH and heat stability we see for these flavors along with high solubility.”

Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors are available for use in countries that allow flavors approved by the FEMA GRAS protocol. The company plans to expand its global availability rapidly.

To scale brazzein and thaumatin II sustainably, Sweegen uses a proprietary precision fermentation process, a technology that produces clean and sustainable ingredients. This allows for cost-effective commercial production of highly-sought after ingredients in global sugar reduction solutions. Sweegen’s innovation and strategic partner, Conagen, developed brazzein and thaumatins I and II with its proprietary protein and peptide production platforms and announced the development of the sweet proteins in 2021.

“We are the only company that has successfully scaled brazzein,” said Luca Giannone, senior vice president of global sales at Sweegen. “The launch of Sweetensify Flavors is one more example of how Sweegen brings to market the industry’s very best ingredient platforms and tools for enabling sugar reduction for health and wellness. This is our mission and our promise to our customers.”

Within one year of Sweegen announcing its ability to commercialize brazzein, it has received great interest in its proprietary sweet protein-based solutions. It has collaborated with several large food and beverage companies on sensory reformulations and new product developments.

“We look forward to the sensory results and feedback from our customers in anticipation of brazzein joining thaumatin II’s FEMA GRAS status,” said Giannone. “Sweegen is forging a path for better health and wellness in food and beverages with stellar ingredients. We are preserving Sweegen’s ability to continue perfecting these unique solutions with patents issued or pending worldwide.”

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data

In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and, therefore, should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

• Sweetensify, the newest flavor tool for food and beverage producers.
• Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors feature sweet protein brazzein.

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8809463