HqO Raises Over $50M in Series D Funding to Revolutionize the Real Estate Landscape

Along with new capital, company leverages real estate experience insights from 1.7+ million people and 8,000+ workplaces to launch the REX Platform

BOSTON, Oct. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Addressing the secular shift in how, where, and when people interact with their professional and personal environments, HqO, the world’s leading real estate experience platform, announced today it has raised over $50 million in Series D funding to fuel the company’s mission to disrupt the real estate industry. The funding round was led by Koch Real Estate Investments, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, along with participation from many of the company’s existing investors, leading venture capital and commercial real estate firms including Accomplice, Insight Partners, and Related. The additional capital brings the company’s total funding to over $200 million, bolstering an already strong balance sheet and positioning the company to continue executing on its targeted M&A strategy.

“As the real estate industry continues to radically evolve, we firmly believe that its future lies in the convergence of innovative technology, data, and customer-centric experiences. By developing cutting-edge technology and tools that prioritize user sentiment, HqO is not only adapting to the rapidly changing real estate industry, but driving its progression. With HqO’s vision and our investment, we are confident that together we are building a more transformative ecosystem,” said Justin Wilson, Managing Director at Koch Real Estate Investments, who is also joining HqO’s Board of Directors.

There has been a fundamental evolution in the real estate economy as space has moved from a required commodity to a service, and now to an experience. This is being driven by a confluence of factors, most notably the shift in the way work and life now commingle. As a result, real estate not only needs to be more flexible to meet the needs of end-users, but it must also connect with them through experience. In response, HqO has created a new market category, the Real Estate Experience (REX), putting the customer and their experiences of space at the center of this significant market transformation for the first time.

In addition, HqO is continuing to scale and innovate its customer-centric product offerings with the launch of the HqO REX Platform, the first end-to-end experience solution built around the customer. HqO’s REX Platform answers many pain points across the real estate ecosystem for owners, operators, and occupiers alike. Through a suite of powerful applications and services, the REX Platform is the single source of truth for a property, assessing the health and performance of a customer’s experience within it while providing the tools to manage and optimize it, all from one central location. This is proven to boost tenant and employee retention while increasing net operating income and driving efficiencies in operating costs.

“The world has dramatically changed over the last few years, especially the way we work, live, and interact with our surroundings. In this environment of digital disruption, data, technology, and a focus on the customer are not just options; they’re mission-critical to compete,” said Chase Garbarino, Co-Founder and CEO at HqO. “HqO is here to reimagine the status quo and lead the charge toward a more connected, efficient, and user-centric real estate experience. We’re doubling down on our commitment to connect real estate to the people and help create spaces that truly serve the evolving needs of those who use them.”

Building on the success of HqO’s existing real estate experience product, now called Experience Manager (XM), which has powered over 400 million square feet around the world, Intelligence is the newest and most disruptive product within the REX Platform. Intelligence is the first and only industry standard for measuring and assessing the health and performance of a customer’s experience within a property. Through this revolutionary offering, users are able to gain immediate access to global real estate insights from more than 1.7 million employees and over 8,000 workplaces, collected through the proven methodology of Leesman, an HqO company and the industry’s most trusted workplace experience data source and benchmarking framework. Additionally, users can gather property-specific insights by deploying Intelligence at their properties.

The Intelligence suite of products includes:

  • The REX Assessment—The industry-leading tool for quantifying employees’ workstyles, preferences, and overall satisfaction within a physical space
  • The REX Score—The quantified value operators and occupiers get from a building using data from the REX Assessment to show the success of customers’ experiences at a property, which directly correlates to how likely a property is to achieve high occupancy, attract and retain tenants, and generate revenue
  • The REX Index—The industry’s first global real estate user experience indicator, benchmark, and tool for certifying and exploring properties through the lens of people’s experiences, ranking the landlords and occupiers with leading REX Scores

HqO’s REX Platform also includes Marketplace, an exclusive ecosystem built for HqO’s customers, both operators and occupiers, to help deliver optimal experiences for end-users of real estate by providing access to and integration with a growing directory of the most impactful and desired services and amenity partners.

HqO’s REX Platform has already connected over 350,000 users to real estate across 700 properties in over 32 countries. It has helped owners, operators, and occupiers to better understand and engage with tenants and employees while meeting their people and business goals. HqO services real estate clients worldwide, including Related, Vornado Realty Trust, Nuveen Real Estate, Jamestown L.P., Hudson Pacific Properties, Grosvenor, Legal & General Investment Managers, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Hines, abrdn, LaSalle, Primonial, ARC and Chiswick Park.

About HqO:
HqO is leading the transformation of the way people experience real estate by converging data, technology, and the customer. Through its Real Estate Experience (REX) Platform—a powerful and dynamic suite of applications and services—HqO has powered over 400 million square feet at over 700 properties across 32 countries. The world’s most innovative organizations rely on HqO to drive operational excellence by maximizing and boosting tenant and employee acquisition, retention, and engagement.

For more information, visit www.hqo.com.

For additional questions or more information, please reach out to HqOPR@boathouseinc.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8951097

WillScot Mobile Mini to Announce Third Quarter 2023 Results on November 1, 2023

PHOENIX, Oct. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp. (“WillScot Mobile Mini” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: WSC) today announced it will release its third quarter 2023 financial results on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, after market close.

Chief Executive Officer Brad Soultz and President and Chief Financial Officer Tim Boswell will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 10 a.m. ET to discuss the results.

To access the live call by phone, use the following link:

https://register.vevent.com/register/BI2ce9e6dc68744e0c9ac96d9c78fbfe6c

You will be provided with dial-in details after registering. To avoid delays, we recommend that participants dial into the conference call 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A live webcast will also be accessible via the “Events & Presentations” section of the Company’s website www.willscotmobilemini.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available for 12 months following the call.

About WillScot Mobile Mini

WillScot Mobile Mini trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol “WSC.” Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the Company is a leading business services provider specializing in innovative flexible space and storage solutions. The Company’s diverse product offering includes modular office complexes, mobile offices, classrooms, temporary restrooms, portable storage containers, climate-controlled storage units, and a thoughtfully curated selection of furnishings, appliances, and other services so its solutions are turnkey for customers. WillScot Mobile Mini services diverse end markets across all sectors of the economy from a network of approximately 240 branch locations and additional drop lots throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

Additional information can be found on the company’s website at www.willscotmobilemini.com

Media Contact Information

Jake Saylor

jake.saylor@willscot.com

Investor Contact Information

Nick Girardi

nick.girardi@willscotmobilemini.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8951106

Iveco Group N.V. to present its 2023 Third Quarter Results on 1st November 2023

Turin, 18th October 2023. Iveco Group N.V. (EXM: IVG) confirms that its financial results for the Third Quarter of 2023 will be presented on Wednesday, 1st November 2023.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will begin at 11:00 am CET / 10:00 am GMT on Wednesday, 1st November 2023.

Details for accessing the webcast are available at the following link:

Q3 2023 Iveco Group Webcast

The related press release and presentation will be posted on the corporate website at www.ivecogroup.com on Wednesday, 1st November 2023.

For those unable to take part in the live session, a replay will be available in the Investors section of the company website (www.ivecogroup.com) following the conference call.

Iveco Group N.V. (EXM: IVG) is the home of unique people and brands that power your business and mission to advance a more sustainable society. The eight brands are each a major force in its specific business: IVECO, a pioneering commercial vehicles brand that designs, manufactures, and markets heavy, medium, and light-duty trucks; FPT Industrial, a global leader in a vast array of advanced powertrain technologies in the agriculture, construction, marine, power generation, and commercial vehicles sectors; IVECO BUS and HEULIEZ, mass-transit and premium bus and coach brands; IDV, for highly specialised defence and civil protection equipment; ASTRA, a leader in large-scale heavy-duty quarry and construction vehicles; MAGIRUS, the industry-reputed firefighting vehicle and equipment manufacturer; and IVECO CAPITAL, the financing arm which supports them all. Iveco Group employs more than 35,000 people around the world and has 20 industrial sites and 29 R&D centres. Further information is available on the Company’s website www.ivecogroup.com

Media Contacts:
Francesco Polsinelli, Tel: +39 335 1776091
Fabio Lepore, Tel: +39 335 7469007
E-mail: mediarelations@ivecogroup.com

Investor Relations:
Federico Donati, Tel: +39 011 0073539
E-mail: investor.relations@ivecogroup.com

Attachment

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000864682

Amlan® International Welcomes Technical Service Expert, Dr. Cesar A. Coto To Serve Latin American Market

Dr. Cesar A. Coto

Technical Services Director, LATAM

CHICAGO, Oct. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amlan® International, the animal health business of Oil-Dri® Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC) and a global leader in mineral-based feed additives that optimize the intestinal health of poultry and livestock, announces the appointment of Dr. Cesar Coto, a distinguished industry expert, as the newest addition to its team. Dr. Coto will assume the role of Technical Services Director, LATAM, a position vital to supporting customers in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. His appointment underscores Amlan’s commitment to delivering reliable technical support and natural solutions to its valued customers.

“Cesar’s educational background, coupled with his extensive industry experience, makes him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Dr. Robin Jarquin, Regional Director Latin America. “We look forward to his contributions as we continue to expand our customer base across Latin America and the Caribbean.”

In his role as Director of Technical Services LATAM, Dr. Coto will provide a range of technical and commercial support. His responsibilities will encompass addressing customer inquiries, assisting with product applications, and ensuring seamless integration of Amlan’s products. Dr. Coto will work closely with the Amlan team to deliver customized feed additive programs tailored to the unique needs of producers.

Dr. Coto’s expertise makes him well-equipped to provide technical service of the highest caliber. Most recently, he spent thirteen years as Manager of Technical Service for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean at a major poultry breeding company. During this time, he demonstrated his ability to direct technical complexities and build strong customer relationships across the region. His dedication to serving customers and delivering results has consistently set him apart in the industry.

Dr. Coto’s educational background has provided a foundation for his success in the industry. He holds a Master of Science in Poultry Science, a Master of Science in Agribusiness, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Poultry Nutrition, all from the University of Arkansas.

About Amlan® International
Amlan International is the animal health business of Oil-Dri Corporation of America, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of sorbent minerals. Oil-Dri leverages over 80 years of expertise in mineral science to selectively mine and process its unique mineral for consumer and business-to-business markets. Oil-Dri Corporation of America doing business as “Amlan International” is a publicly traded stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ODC). Amlan International sells feed additives across the world. Product availability may vary by country; associated claims do not constitute medical claims and may differ based on government requirements. For more information on Amlan International, please visit www.amlan.com.

Media Contact
Reagan Culbertson
VP, Strategic Marketing
Press@amlan.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a1706642-bf5d-42e9-aa65-c042c61c702f

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8950812

คำแถลงการณ์อย่างเป็นทางการ: Sourabh Chandrakar ชี้แจงถึงข้อมูลเท็จเกี่ยวกับค่าใช้จ่ายในพิธีแต่งงานตลอดจนข้อกล่าวหาอื่น ๆ

กรุงเดลี, ประเทศอินเดีย, Oct. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — จากรายงานข่าวล่าสุดของสื่อเกี่ยวกับคดีแอป Mahadev ทำให้ Mr. Sourabh Chandrakar ผู้ประกอบการจากเมืองพิไล, รัฐฉัตตีสครห์ จำเป็นต้องออกมาชี้แจงเกี่ยวกับข้อมูลเท็จและข้อกล่าวหาที่ไม่มีมูลความจริงซึ่งถูกเปิดเผยอย่างครึกโครม Mr. Chandrakar เป็นนักธุรกิจที่อุทิศตนและไร้ประวัติด่างพร้อย จึงทำให้เขาประหลาดใจกับข้อกล่าวหาที่ไม่มีมูลว่าเขามีส่วนเกี่ยวข้องกับกิจกรรมที่ผิดกฎหมาย

Mr. Chandrakar ยืนกรานอย่างแข็งขันว่าพิธีแต่งงานทั้งหมดที่มีค่าใช้จ่ายประมาณ 10 ล้านดีแรห์มสหรัฐอาหรับเอมิเรตส์นั้นมาจากการใช้เงินสะสมและเงินออมของตนเอง ซึ่งตรงกันข้ามกับรายงานที่มีการประโคมข่าว เขามีเอกสารที่บันทึกข้อมูลโดยละเอียดซึ่งยืนยันแหล่งที่มาของรายได้ของเขา ข่าวที่มีการเผยแพร่ชี้แนะว่าควรตั้งข้อสงสัยถึงการชำระเงินสดจำนวน 2 พันล้านรูปีอินเดีย ซึ่ง Mr. Chandrakar เองก็ได้ตั้งคำถามถึงความเป็นไปได้ในการทำธุรกรรมเงินสดที่มีมูลค่ามหาศาลเช่นนั้น พร้อมย้ำว่าข้อกล่าวหาดังกล่าวเป็นไปได้ยากที่จะดำเนินการได้จริง

Mr. Chandrakar โต้แย้งคำกล่าวอ้างเกี่ยวกับการใช้จ่ายฟุ่มเฟือยตามที่ถูกกล่าวหาในรายงานจากแหล่งข่าวบางแห่ง เขาระบุอย่างเจาะจงว่าการบริหารการเงินทั้งหมดของการจัดงานนั้นอยู่ในความดูแลของผู้จัดงานมืออาชีพ และไม่เกี่ยวข้องกับการทำธุรกรรมเงินสดทั้งในช่วงของการวางแผนหรือการจัดงาน การสื่อสารไปในทางอื่นจึงเป็นการคาดเดาและไม่มีมูลความจริงแต่อย่างใด เขามีเอกสารและบันทึกทางการเงินต่าง ๆ ที่ช่วยยืนยันข้อเท็จจริงเหล่านี้ ซึ่งเป็นหลักฐานชัดเจนที่หักล้างทุกความคิดเห็นที่ไม่ถูกต้อง

นอกจากนี้ Mr. Chandrakar ยังมั่นใจว่าการกล่าวอ้างถึงบุคคลผู้มีชื่อเสียงที่มาร่วมงานนั้นเกินจริงไปอย่างมาก เขาระบุว่าผู้มาร่วมพิธีแต่งงานทุกท่านได้รับการติดต่อจากบริษัทผู้จัดงานซึ่งได้ประสานงานการมาร่วมงาน Mr. Chandrakar ต้องการย้ำอีกว่าศิลปินทุกคนที่มาร่วมงานและทำการแสดงในงานได้รับการว่าจ้างโดยบริษัทดังกล่าวทั้งสิ้น ไม่มีการทำธุรกรรมทางการเงินโดยตรงระหว่าง Mr. Chandrakar และบุคคลผู้มีชื่อเสียงเหล่านี้เลย เนื่องจากการชำระเงินทั้งหมดล้วนดำเนินการอย่างโปร่งใสผ่านบริษัทผู้จัดงานโดยใช้ช่องทางธนาคารที่ถูกกฎหมาย

Mr. Chandrakar ยืนยันหนักแน่นว่าไม่มีส่วนเกี่ยวข้องกับแอป Mahadev หรือการปฏิบัติการของแอป ข้อกล่าวหาที่ระบุว่าเขาเป็น “ผู้ก่อตั้ง/ผู้สนับสนุน/ผู้อำนวยการ” ของแอป Mahadev นั้นไร้ความน่าเชื่อถือและเป็นเท็จโดยสิ้นเชิง นอกจากนี้ ข้อกล่าวอ้างว่าเขามีส่วนเกี่ยวข้องกับแพลตฟอร์มที่ผิดกฎหมาย 60 รายการในต่างประเทศนั้นก็ไม่มีมูลความจริงและไม่มีหลักฐานแม้แต่น้อย

Mr. Chandrakar ปฏิเสธอย่างหนักแน่นเกี่ยวกับความเชื่อมโยงที่น่าสงสัยใด ๆ กับบุคคลหรือองค์กรที่มีส่วนร่วมในกิจกรรมที่ผิดกฎหมาย ทุกข้อกล่าวหาในลักษณะนี้ล้วนเป็นเพียงข่าวลือ ไม่มีมูลโดยสิ้นเชิง และเป็นเพียงแค่ ‘เรื่องที่จินตนาการปั้นแต่งขึ้นมา’ เขาแสดงความประหลาดใจอย่างยิ่งต่อข้อกล่าวหาเหล่านี้

นอกจากนี้ เขายังต้องการชี้แจงว่าไม่มีการปฏิบัติการใด ๆ ในประเทศปากีสถาน ศรีลังกา หรือเนปาลที่เกี่ยวข้องกับ Mr. Chandrakar ข้อกล่าวอ้างดังกล่าวล้วนเป็นเท็จและเป็นการทำลายชื่อเสียงโดยปราศจากข้อเท็จจริงแม้แต่น้อย Mr. Chandrakar ไม่เคยเดินทางไปยังประเทศเหล่านี้ และข้อกล่าวอ้างว่าเขามีส่วนร่วมในกิจกรรมที่ผิดกฎหมายในภูมิภาคดังกล่าวล้วนไม่มีมูลความจริงและเป็นการหมิ่นประมาทโดยสิ้นเชิง

Mr. Chandrakar ร้องขอให้สื่อต่าง ๆ หยุดเผยแพร่ข่าวลือที่ไม่มีมูลความจริงและเรื่องราวที่ประโคมกันอย่างเกินจริงเหล่านี้ ซึ่งไม่เพียงแต่ทำให้เขาเสื่อมเสียชื่อเสียงเท่านั้น แต่ยังทำลายความเชื่อมั่นที่ประชาชนมีต่อสื่อสารมวลชนที่มีความรับผิดชอบอีกด้วย

ที่มา: Newsbeatwire

ติดต่อ:
Sourabh Chandrakar
Sourabh@empireone.ae

ดูภาพประกอบคำประกาศนี้ได้ที่ https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56d1e182-24c5-4c3c-8148-43e700c2dfb9

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000864607

Access to N. Korean propaganda accounts on X blocked in S. Korea

SEOUL, Access to two X accounts, presumably run by North Korea for propaganda purposes, have been blocked in South Korea, the respective accounts showed Wednesday.

As of 2 p.m., the accounts YuMi_DPRK_daily and Parama_Coreafan on are not accessible, with a message on the social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, showing they have been “withheld in Korea in response to a legal demand.”

The blocked accounts, which feature young North Korean women and children as key narrators, were seen as Pyongyang’s attempt to shift away from its traditional propaganda method to a more engaging style targeting the wider global audience.

Despite the attempt to casually portray everyday life in the North, observers have raised the view that such accounts are part of a carefully orchestrated propaganda scheme in a country where access to the internet and overseas content is restricted.

In June, access to similar accounts on YouTube was blocked upon request by Seoul’s spy agency, amid concerns over the North’s psychological warfare against the South.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Businessman nabbed for aiding N. Korean restaurant in Southeast Asia

SEOUL, A local businessman has been apprehended for assisting the operation of a North Korean restaurant in a Southeast Asian country and communicating closely with a North Korean spy stationed there, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) said Wednesday.

The 52-year-old businessman, who runs an IT program company in South Korea, is accused of having visited the North Korean restaurant for seven years, beginning in 2016, and maintained close communications with the restaurant’s vice president, who belongs to the Reconnaissance General Bureau, Pyongyang’s spy agency.

This undated photo provided by the police shows a South Korean businessman buying flowers to deliver to a North Korean restaurant in a Southeast Asian country.

He is also suspected of providing US$4,800, as well as 20.7 million won ($15,338) worth of goods, including clothing, skin care products, food, masks and medicine, to the restaurant while communicating with it by phone and messenger since 2018, the SMPA said, speculating some of the U.S. dollars were sent to Pyongyang.

It also noted the medicine provided by the suspect to the restaurant included prescription and psychotropic drugs.

The SMPA said the businessman was referred to the prosecution without detention last Friday on charges of violating the National Security Act and the narcotics control and pharmaceutical laws.

The suspect reportedly told the police that he provided various conveniences to the North’s restaurant because of his romantic relationship with a female employee.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Party members seek injunction suspending opposition leader Lee from duties

SEOUL, Thousands of rank-and-file members of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) on Wednesday filed for an injunction seeking to suspend party leader Lee Jae-myung from his duties.

The injunction request was filed by 2,223 DP members with the Seoul Southern District Court a week after prosecutors indicted Lee without physical detention over corruption charges connected to a scandal-ridden land development project.

The DP’s party charter stipulates that a party executive indicted on corruption charges can have their duties suspended unless “unfair” causes behind the indictment, such as political persecution, are recognized.

The party has previously resolved to exempt Lee from such a suspension, concluding that Lee’s indictment was a result of political persecution.

Baek Kwang-hyun, one of the applicants, accused Lee of failing to comply with the charter proceedings.

Baek had sought a similar injunction around March, which the court denied.

This undated file photo shows Baek Kwang-hyun, a member of the Democratic Party, who filed an injunction seeking to suspend party leader Lee Jae-myung from his duties

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Oceans minister calls for global solidarity in coping with climate change

SEOUL, South Korea’s oceans minister on Wednesday called for global solidarity in addressing climate change, noting the country will seek to share wisdom with the global community by hosting the World Expo 2030.

“There are unexpected floods, with coastal areas of low-lying nations turning into ocean due to the rising sea levels,” Oceans Minister Cho Seung-hwan said during a session on the margins of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing.

“The ecosystems are undergoing changes, and marine resources are diminishing,” he added. “South Korea shares a deep understanding with the world, and is seeking global cooperation in the maritime sector.”

Cho added South Korea is making efforts to host the 2030 World Expo in the southeastern city of Busan, reflecting its commitment to address climate change with a focus on the maritime sector.

The Belt and Road Initiative refers to a Beijing-led global infrastructure and energy project that aims to connect China with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Europe and Africa. South Korea is not a participant in the initiative.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Hyundai, Kia join hands with Germany’s top automotive chipmaker

SEOUL, South Korea’s leading carmakers Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. said Wednesday they have inked a strategic partnership with the German automotive chipmaker Infineon Technologies AG, so as to secure its power semiconductor supply chain.

Under the deal, sealed Tuesday in Munich, Germany, the companies will cooperate in developing power semiconductors, a key component for eco-friendly cars to control and convert electric power, according to the South Korean companies.

Hyundai and Kia will also source a portion of their power semiconductors from Infineon for the production of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2030, they added.

Infineon is a world leader in the automotive chip market, with a product portfolio that includes automotive microcontrollers, power semiconductors and sensors.

Hyundai and Kia have been working with the German company since the early 2000s.

Hyundai Motor Group, the parent of Hyundai and Kia, said the partnership will help the company take the lead in the global electric vehicle industry by securing a reliable supply chain for their eco-friendly cars.

Source: Yonhap News Agency