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Aurora Cannabis stock slammed by executive departure and insiders selling

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Aurora Cannabis stock
Aurora Cannabis stock

Aurora Cannabis stock slammed by executive departure and insiders selling

Jefferies downgrades Aurora stock to hold from buy and says path to profitability is further away than expected.

Aurora Cannabis Inc.’s U.S.-listed shares slid 8% Monday, after the company announced the exit of a key executive, amid insiders selling stakes, dilutive financing moves and questions about the company’s path to profitability.

The Canadian company, which is the most widely held stock ACB, -4.50%ACB, -4.58%  on trading platform Robinhood, said late Saturday that Cam Battley, its chief commercial officer and the man widely viewed as the face of the company, was leaving. Battley had been with Aurora since 2016 and will remain on the board of MedReleaf Australia, a private cannabis company in which Aurora owns a stake.

Jefferies downgraded the stock to hold from buy following the news.

“It is clear to us that the market is lacking conviction in Aurora, and this update will do little to help that,” Jefferies analyst Owen Bennett wrote in a note to clients as he lowered his stock price target to C$3.00 ($2.28) from C$7.00.

Aurora shares have lost 24% of their value in the past month, battered by negative sell-side reports, a controversial convertible bond exchange that was highly dilutive for shareholders and news that Director Jason Dyck had sold more than 1 million of his shares, equal to 57% of his holdings.

But for Bennett, the key issue is one of trust. Aurora has repeatedly failed to meet its own targets and has promised one course of action, before immediately choosing another, he said.

“Key examples are missing revenue guidance despite issuing it after quarter-end at Q4, still little visibility on near-term profitability despite promises since January and throughout 2019 this would happen by Q4, continued dilution (debenture conversion, ATM used) despite reassurances this would not be the case, announcement of ceasing facility constructions just weeks after a press release praising their progression, and most recently the embarrassment of having to freeze sales in Germany over an investigation into the company’s processing methods,” the analyst wrote.

“Against this backdrop, we believe it is easy to make the case that Battley is ‘jumping ship’ with potential further bad news on the way and it is also now one thing too many for our previous conviction.”

MKM analyst Bill Kirk noted it’s the third major management shake-up in the new cannabis sector in a year, coming after Canopy Growth Corp.’s CGC, -0.05%WEED, -4.42%  Bruce Linton was ousted and Aphria Inc.’s APHA, +1.66%APHA, -2.60%  former CEO Vic Neufeld was forced to step down. Battley was one of the strongest voices for the industry, said Kirk.

“The sudden departure, during a period of insider selling, dwindling cash to cover payables, and sector turmoil does not send a strong message to investors,” he wrote, as he cut his stock price target to C$2.00 from C$3.00 and reiterated a sell rating.

Kirk is expecting profitability for cannabis growers to get worse before it gets better, with pricing falling and supply gradually improving. The Canadian sector has had a rocky rollout with red tape hampering the creation of a network of retail stores that has allowed the black market to thrive.

“With legal price gaps widening versus the illicit channel, we believe growth and addressable market opportunities are smaller than others believe,” the analyst wrote. “Further, an outsized (relative to peers) exposure to medical marijuana limits the growth opportunity as most medical markets (Canada, various U.S. states) show flat to declining medical consumption.”

Aurora shares have fallen 59% in 2019, while the ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF MJ, -0.18%  has declined 30% and the Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences ETF HMMJ, -3.16%  has shed 39% of its value.

The S&P 500 index SPX, +0.00%  has gained 29% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, +0.08% has gained 22% in the year to date.

How the US is falling behind Israel in helping startups and why Reg A+ is the answer in 2020

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Israel success startups

How the US is falling behind Israel in helping startups and why Reg A+ is the answer in 2020

Israel has become the center for Tech startups and the future for the European cannabis markets.

Israel the Startup Paradise

Israel has gained recognition throughout the world as being leaders and helping companies grow by government-initiated subsidies and grants. Israeli startups today are fortunate to benefit from an extensive variety of programs and initiatives that are available in Israel which are not available in other countries. For example, Israel has in place over 30 programs that are tailor-made for startups to help them secure funding for their businesses.

US is the World of Unicorn Fever

The United States, unfortunately, has not seen fit to step in to help companies the same way as Israel.  This has left the United States with a culture where VC’s have dominated the investment industry. VCs give false hope too many accredited investors by inflating the value of the companies they have initially invested in.  Proof of this can be found with WeWork, Uber, and Lyft.

Silicon Valley has taken Valuations over innovation

Silicon Valley has long taken nepotism before innovation. Facebook no longer is an innovation company it is an acquisition company. Snapchat Has Fallen since its IPO has failed to produce anything new since its Inception.  YouTube which is owned by Google has kept the same format but now through influencers and monetization is the second largest search engine in the world.

Israel, on the other hand, has taken steps to help companies innovate.  The success of startups in Israel is 10 times that of the US because they look at helping to grow technology and innovation from the government down.  The US VCs don’t get a say how to value the Israeli companies that they invest in, to the extent that is dictated in America.

Israel is benefits startups

One of the benefits of doing business in Israel is its size. Israel is a small country, and as such, it is much easier for entrepreneurs to conduct market tests, and to determine the needs of their target market. Identifying and solving the problems of your target customer is one of the core elements of entrepreneurship, and the smaller size of Israel reduces the cost and the time of this process. By understanding and resolving the problems of their customers faster, Israeli companies can now go to market more quickly with a product that serves a market need. If there is a shift in demand for their product or service, it is easier to pick up on these changes and then pivot accordingly. This ease of access also enables entrepreneurs to be in touch with their business partners, suppliers, in addition to their consumers.

Private unicorns versus public listed companies

Companies and startups in Israel are helped by a lack of inflated valuations and more on the success of the product and the company itself.  In Silicon Valley if you have the big VCS like Drapper Ventures backing you,  you are more likely to succeed financially than if you have a smaller VC with the lesser-known name.  Becoming a unicorn is less about your product or your service it is more about the VC who invests.

Uber has shown what can happen when a company is overvalued at $72 billion and yet continued to raise money in Series H, I, J, K. In 2017 Uber was supposed to be the biggest and most anticipated IPO of the year.  In 2018 the Uber IPO became a disaster with the stock and company valuation less than half of what it was in 2016.

THE JOBS Act is finally good for all investors

The JOBS Act of 2012 put the ability for investors to gauge companies and help the economy and small businesses.  The problem with the JOBS Act is that it was too little too late.  Now with Title IV of the JOBS Act, more investors can invest in startups through red CF and Reg A+ which helps investors gain more and eliminate or minimize the influence of big VCS which will help smaller companies and give real valuations of companies worth based on their products rather than their initial investor.

This should be a good thing for all companies and help investors to see the true potential of companies while minimizing the influence of VC’s and their predatory practices. It is still not on par with the involvement that Israel and its government has placed in building new innovation and new companies.

Israel will dominate European Cannabis Markets

If you are to look at the Cannabis industry you will notice that Israel has become and will become the leading player in the European cannabis markets. Meanwhile, the US cannabis markets will fluctuate and many of the current publicly-listed marijuana companies will fail.  investor expectations in marijuana and CBD will lead more investors to go towards Israel as an investment versus staying with the US Cannabis markets due to regulations and lack of government support.

israeli startupsSecurities Act of 1933

The SEC has had a tough time trying to fix the issues that they themselves created back in the 1930s. The securities acts restricting regular investors from investing certain high-risk securities.  Equity crowdfunding should have been the biggest investment vehicle since 1933.  Instead, what we have is uncertainty of who can invest, how much they can invest, and where they can invest. For accredited investors and the high net worth individuals, this has never been an issue but for Main Street investors and issuers trying to raise capital the SEC has stepped on its own toes.

Reg A+ and Reg CF will mature in 2020

Reg A+ and Reg CF should see the final demise and put the final nail in the coffin for all the VC vultures in Silicon Valley that have helped themselves by rigging a system in their favor at the expense of regular investors.  They have also helped destroy many innovative companies. Quick buyouts and acquisitions get out of long term deals and gain the maximum returns for the VCs before the company has had time to build their service or product correctly.

All investors should be rejoicing but they can now invest in the same companies at the same time and reach the same returns on investment that previously was only enjoyed by these species.

Stop the Silicon Valley Ponzi Schemes

The situation is very simple the Israeli government has purposely and effectively salt to build innovation and bring new jobs new technology it has stood behind its companies and helps fund many startups.  the United States government has left this to the feces and it caused a Ponzi scheme in Silicon Valley that is enriched the rich and locked out the 98%.

Equity Investors

If you are an investor any income now is your opportunity to finally be able to get in early-stage for as little as $500.  Look to equity crowdfunding as a new way to invest your money should be the most important part of your investment portfolio for the next 3 years.  Equity investing and Reg A+ investing will yield higher returns than the stock market or any other investment vehicle. Therefore, the investor needs to research and understand the companies that they are investing in.

Most investors do not fully understand their 401k, so this gives investors who are in the know the opportunity to build a robust portfolio and take back their earnings and build higher returns on investment.

 

 

Who is your target investor audience and how do you get the investor leads

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investor leads

Who is your targeted investor audience and how do you get the investor leads?

Regardless of your investor marketing goals your company needs a full investor marketing campaign.  If your company is looking to target accredited investors, oil and gas investors or stock investors, a full expansive investor relations plan.

Embarking on an investor marketing campaign strategy is a long term. Investor email marketing is effective and immediate only after there is a full strategic plan initiated and executed.

Building an investor marketing campaign to accredited investors for 506 (c) raises.

Here is some important information that companies and investors should know:

Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS)

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act is a piece of U.S. legislation that was signed into law by President Barack Obama on April 5, 2012, that loosens regulations instituted by the Securities And Exchange Commission (SEC) on small businesses. It lowers reporting and disclosure requirements for companies with less than $1 billion in revenue, and allows advertising of securities offerings. It also allows greater access to crowd-funding, and greatly expands the number of companies that can offer stock without going through SEC registration.

Marketing a 506(c) to Accredited Investors

Rule 506(c) permits issuers to broadly solicit and generally advertise an offering, provided that:

  • all purchasers in the offering are accredited investors
  • the issuer takes reasonable steps to verify purchasers’ accredited investor status and
  • certain other conditions in Regulation D are satisfied

Purchasers in a Rule 506(c) offering receive “restricted securities.” A company is required to file a notice with the Commission on Form D within 15 days after the first sale of securities in the offering. Although the Securities Act provides a federal preemption from state registration and qualification under Rule 506(c), the states still have authority to require notice filings and collect state fees.

There are essentials needed in order to deliver a responsive investor marketing campaign that will help yield more investor leads and build an investor email list that can be used again and again.

Essential Investor Marketing campaign basics

  1. Custom website
  2. Google accounts
  3. Email Set Up
  4. Amazon Web Server
  5. Keyword research – SEO
  6. SEO Ongoing and Content delivery
  7. Email Server
  8. Pitch Decks, PDFs, Video Marketing

 

  1. Website:
    • A website is essential to help build your companies reach and visibility. The website should deliver easy to navigate pages and information. Create urgency with “call to action” to funnel potential investors to act on your offering. The information contained on the site should be specific and all information should be reviewed for legal and compliance. The website should have a clear phone and email links for investors to contact directly.
  2. Google Accounts:
    • Set up all accounts on google, you will need google analytics, google webmaster and youtube account set up. There is also google suites set up that should be considered to help track email accounts and centralize the ability to collaborate with other team members via google docs and google drive. If your company does not have a dedicated person who understands google analytics you should employ a reliable expert to set up correctly and deliver relevant reporting.
  3. Email Set up:
    • Professional emails from your company domain make a better impression than a gmail or yahoo mail. This is a simple set up and will just add more professionalism to your company.
  1. Amazon Web Server
    • Amazon Web Server (AWS) adds a host of features to help your company. AWS is intensive and not for the faint of heart, but it for video hosting and more options that traditional hostgator or godaddy hosting. To build a site and build custom features in AWS you should have a team that understands the needs and expectations of your company.
  1. Keyword Research:
    • Keyword research takes time and effort. This is a part science and part art. Building your content in a search engine friendly way will help investors to find your content and your website. Initial website set up should have this top of mind in order to attract investment and build confidence.
  2. SEO and Investor orientated Content:
    • Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential to the success of your campaign being seen online. There are many schools of thought on this, but it is essential, it must be done. Search engine like google read and score content on multiple factors. Writing SEO rich content is a very time consuming and demanding process. This is something that may be outsourced but only through google analytics and webmaster tools can you gauge the effectiveness.
  1. Email Server:
    • Emailing investors has its downside, many email marketing services like mailchimp, aweber and constant contact do not allow users to solicit investments. Companies engaging in email marketing through these services may be blacklisted or their accounts may be terminated. There should be a plan in place on how to email investors as they sign up for your offering.
  2. Pitch decks, PDFs and Video Marketing:
    • There are restrictions on how much information can be delivered publicly in a 506(c) raise. The best advice is use caution. There should be public pitch deck and a private pitch deck aimed at accredited investors and qualified investors. These decks and videos should be created with these factors in mind. The public information should be able to be accessed through the website and private information should be hidden and only sent to those accredited investors or qualified investors. There should also be an emphasis on press releases and social media marketing.

We know this may seem like a lot of information, but we have just scratched the surface on the requirements. Embarking on an investor marketing campaign and marketing to accredited investors is a serious and time-consuming endeavor.

Companies looking to build successful investor marketing campaigns may choose to outsource to experienced professionals who have the knowledge to deliver a complete investor marketing plan.

If your company is looking to deliver an effective investor marketing plan to accredited investors contact Investor Leads.

Space Tourism Set to Become a Craze in 2020

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space tourism stocks
space tourism stocks

Space Tourism Set to Become a Craze in 2020

The space tourism sector is heating up with the major players getting close to their goal of delivering various forms of commercial spaceflight by 2020.

Notably, NASA’s decision to open up the International Space Station for tourism and other private ventures from 2020 is a key catalyst in expanding the scope and market of space tourism.

Space Tourism Prospects Aplenty

Space tourism, also known as “citizen space exploration” or “personal spaceflight”, has become an attractive space due to strong consumer spending.

However, the biggest roadblock for the success of space tourism is the high cost of travel. Notably, a trip to the International Space Station will cost around $35K per day of stay while a return ticket will cost around $60 million.

The cost of getting into space will decline if the next generation of space planes can reach the orbit, making it an economically feasible option for a larger customer segment. This will also help the market to expand rapidly.

Per marketstudyreport.com data, cited by MarketWatch, the space tourism market is expected to be worth $1.18 billion by 2024, witnessing CAGR of 16.6% between 2019 and 2024.

This is why companies like Amazon AMZN backed Blue Origin, Tesla TSLA backed SpaceX, Virgin Galactic Holdings SPCE and Boeing BA are taking a number of initiatives to gain a foothold in this promising space.

Stocks in Focus

Amazon

Amazon backed Blue Origin’s offering is based around a more traditional rocket (the New Shepard), which takes off and lands vertically, and its objectives include orbital spaceflight.

The space tourism company has performed several test flights, the most recent one on Dec 11, and is planning to put paying passengers into space by 2020. The company’s plan is to place up to six passengers on each flight, with tickets expected to cost around $200K to $300K per person.

Moreover, the company has teamed up with aerospace giants Lockheed Martin LMT, Northrop Grumman NOC and Draper in an attempt to build a lunar landing system to meet the
U.S. government’s goal of taking humans to the moon by 2024.

Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus
Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus

Virgin Galactic

To date, Virgin Galactic has been the main competitor for Blue Origin in terms of sub-orbital space tourism. Its current space plane, VSS Unity, entered outer space in December 2018 as part of its testing process, with two additional space planes in development in Mojave, CA.

Tickets currently cost $250K per person and more than 600 people from 60 countries have reserved seats.

However, the company has been facing headwinds over the space flight. Virgin Galactic originally aimed to deliver space flight by 2009 but it got delayed. In 2014, the company’s first spaceship VSS Enterprise crashed, resulting in the death of its co-pilot, Michael Alsbury.

Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. Price and Consensus
Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. Price and Consensus

Tesla

Tesla backed SpaceX already has experience when it comes to launching space-bound flights and the company is hoping to get on board the space tourism bandwagon.

However, unlike other companies in this sector, it is prioritizing lunar tourism and other forms of space tourism extending beyond Earth’s orbit.

Notably, in September, SpaceX unveiled Starship MK1, its new starship that will be able to carry up to 100 people to the moon, Mars or other destinations in space or around Earth.

Moreover, SpaceX is one of the companies that will choose clients and deliver them via its own rocket-and-capsule launch systems for the International Space Station trips starting next year.

Tesla, Inc. Price and Consensus
Tesla, Inc. Price and Consensus

Boeing

Boeing emerged as a major player in the space tourism industry when it entered into a deal with NASA as part of its Commercial Crew Development program. This program was designed to increase private sector involvement in the production of crew vehicles to be launched into orbit.

Notably, the company’s contract with NASA provides it with the opportunity to sell seats to space tourists. In October, the company also announced its plans to invest $20 million in Virgin Galactic.

Boeing is another company that will choose and deliver clients for International Space Station trips starting next year.

The Boeing Company Price and Consensus
The Boeing Company Price and Consensus

Zacks Rank

While Tesla carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), Amazon and Virgin Galactic currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Boeing currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Reg A Investor delivers the best start ups in Reg A+ and Reg CF

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Reg A Investors delivers the best start ups in Reg A+ and Reg CF

Invest along side accredited investors in Early Stage Companies with Reg A+ and Reg Cf with Equity Investor

Reg A Investor delivers exclusive investment opportunities in early stage companies. Invest in emerging growth companies to maximize your returns using Reg A+ and Reg Cf.

Reg A+ Investing Markets will soar in 2020

  • Build your wealth by investing in early stage companies with real exit strategies.
  • Invest in private companies with huge growth potential along with thousands of accredited investors and non-accredited investors.
  • Earn better returns on your investment by investing in companies prior to going public.

Accredited Investors

The JOBS Act 3.0 will deliver an opportunity for investors to become self accredited. This will open more opportunities to a whole new pool of self directed accredited investors.

Invest Today at Reg A Investors

Twitter, Facebook take down global network of fake accounts pushing pro-Trump messages

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twitter Trump

Twitter, Facebook takedown global network of fake accounts pushing pro-Trump messages

Facebook Inc. FB, +0.12% and Twitter Inc. TWTR, +0.31% have taken down a global network of fake accounts used in a coordinated campaign to push pro-Trump political messages, including some that used artificial intelligence tools to try to mask the behavior, the companies and outside research firms they worked with said.

The move targeted a U.S.-based media company that also operates out of Vietnam called the BL, which, Facebook alleges, used computer-generated profile pictures to cover up the orchestrated nature of its activities. Facebook linked the company to the Epoch Media Group, which has had ties to the Falun Gong movement, a spiritual movement based in China which has clashed with the Chinese government and supported President Trump’s reelection.

The BL, also known as the Beauty of Life, is “currently working with Facebook to resolve the issue,” said Orysia McCabe, the website’s editor in chief. She didn’t say how the company planned to settle the matter with Facebook.

In a statement posted to his company’s website, Epoch Media Group Publisher Stephen Gregory denied any connection between the BL and his company, saying that the BL was “founded by a former employee, and employs some of our former employees.” Epoch Media is neither owned nor operated by Falun Gong, the company has said.

A Facebook spokeswoman responded by saying that executives of the BL were active administrators on Epoch Media Group-controlled pages as recently as Friday morning, when the BL accounts were deleted by Facebook.

An expanded version of this report appears at WSJ.com.

 

VIVO Cannabis Inc. Announces Cannabis 2.0 Products

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VIVO Cannabis Inc. Announces Cannabis 2.0 Products

Canada NewsWire

NAPANEE, ON, Dec. 20, 2019

NAPANEE, ON, Dec. 20, 2019 /CNW/ – VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSX-V:  VIVO, OTCQX:  VVCIF) (“VIVO” or the “Company“) today officially revealed its new Cannabis 2.0. products set to come to market in the coming months across Canada.  VIVO will focus on the vape, chocolates and concentrates categories leveraging VIVO’s premium adult-use cannabis brands including Canna Farms™ and Fireside™.

VIVO Cannabis (CNW Group/VIVO Cannabis Inc.)

“VIVO is committed to changing the way people view cannabis and to enhancing lives.  I’m delighted with our Cannabis 2.0. offering.  The range is robust and stretches across multiple new legal categories including vapes, chocolates, and concentrates that include kief, rosin, bubble hash, wax and shatter.  Coupled with our commitment to quality and consistency in supply, I’m confident that our range of products will help to play a role in decreasing the size of the illicit footprint,” said VIVO’s CEO, Barry Fishman.

The range of new products includes Canna Farms™ BC Kief, Canna Farms™ BC Bubble Hash, Canna Farms™ BC Live Rosin, and Canna Farms™ BC Hash Rosin.  “Our offering for traditional concentrates meets the demand for solvent free products that keep terpenes & flavour intact,” said Dan LaFlamme, President, Canna Farms Ltd.

Additionally, VIVO has partnered with a world class and award-winning Belgian chocolatier, Chocolatas, and together have created Fireside™ Edibles – Chocolates.  “It is always a sweet day at Chocolatas and today it is especially exciting to launch our Fireside™ chocolates.  The assortment includes five presentations including salted caramel, mint, milk and dark chocolate caramel and milk and dark chocolate solid,” said Veve Knaepen, Co-Founder, Chocolatas.

In addition, VIVO is set to launch Fireside™ vape kits and cartridges plus the new Fireside X™ sub-brand.  Fireside X™ will be used for the Company’s wax and shatter products.

VIVO continually reviews and tests all inputs to ensure the highest quality standards are met for all of its products. “VIVO recognizes the recent news and announcements about delaying the launch of vape products by certain provinces.  VIVO is committed to working towards meeting the highest standards possible for our consumers – our consumer’s safety is at the heart of everything we do”, said Barry Fishman, CEO, VIVO Cannabis Inc.  “Our ten-point quality control testing and assurance program process for vaped products helps to ensure that all of our hardware and raw materials are sourced from licensed, regulated, trusted and well-established suppliers. Our finished products are checked for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, molds, and other foreign contaminants. Our vape cartridges contain ONLY natural cannabis extract, and cannabis derived terpenes. Importantly, our vape oils do not contain Tocopheryl-acetate, are free from pesticides and contain no propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil,” said Mr. Fishman.

VIVO looks forward to introducing Canadian consumers to these exciting new products.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

All dollar amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollars. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, which are statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding the beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions of VIVO and its management regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding: the expected market availability date of the Company’s Cannabis 2.0 product portfolio; the Company’s expectations regarding the new cannabis products, including public perception or production capabilities; the Company’s expected focus on the chocolates, vape and concentrates categories; the expected brand which the Company’s new products including kief, bubble hash, Live Rosin and Hash Rosin will be sold under; the expected variety of products that the Company will offer; the expected brand which the Company’s premium chocolate edibles will be sold under; the expected launch of Fireside™ vape kits and cartridges; the expected release of a sub-brand for Fireside™ called Fireside X™; and the expected timing and outcome of regulatory approvals, both domestically and internationally. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including: the Company’s Cannabis 2.0 product portfolio may not be available in the market immediately; that the Company’s new products may not meet expectations relating to public perception or production capabilities; that the Company may not focus on the chocolates, vape and concentrates categories; that the Company’s new products including kief, bubble hash, Live Rosin and Hash Rosin may not be sold under the Canna Farms™ brand; that the Company’s premium chocolate edibles may not be sold under the Fireside™ brand; that the Company may not have the variety of brands listed in this news release; that the Company may not launch the Fireside™ vape kits and cartridges; that the Company may not release a sub-brand for Fireside™ called Fireside X™; that the Company may not receive requisite regulatory approvals, or may not receive such approvals in accordance with the expected timeline; and other factors beyond the Company’s control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are urged to consider these factors, and the more extensive risk factors included in the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2018, which is available on SEDAR, carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

About VIVO Cannabis™

VIVO, based in Napanee, Ontario, is recognized for trusted, high-quality products and services. It holds production and sales licences from Health Canada and operates world-class indoor cultivation facilities with proprietary plant-growing technology. VIVO has a collection of premium brands targeting unique customer segments, including Beacon Medical™, FIRESIDE™, Canna Farms™ and Lumina™. In August 2018, VIVO acquired Canna Farms, a premium cannabis company based in Hope, British Columbia. Canna Farms was B.C.’s first Licensed Producer and has several years of craft cultivation experience and expertise, as well as a significant patient base and positive cash flow. The Company is significantly expanding its production capacity and pursuing partnership and product development opportunities domestically, as well as in select international markets, including Germany and Australia. VIVO also operates Harvest Medicine, a patient-centric and highly scalable network of specialty medical cannabis clinics as well as a free telemedicine service. VIVO has a healthy balance sheet and is well-positioned to accelerate its growth in Canada and internationally.

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

SOURCE VIVO Cannabis Inc.

Interlapse Closes Private Placement

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Interlapse Closes Private Placement

VANCOUVER, Dec. 20, 2019 /CNW/ – Virtual currency applications developer, Interlapse Technologies Corp. (TSXV: INLA / OTCQB: INLAF), is pleased to announce that it has closed the previously announced non-brokered private placement by issuing a total 7,500,000 common shares, at a price of CDN$0.10 per common share, to raise gross proceeds of CDN$750,000.  The common shares issued under this private placement will be subject to a hold period of four months from the closing date.

The proceeds from this offering will be primarily used to fund the launch of Interlapse’s virtual currency platform, coincurve.com into key international markets.

Empowering the Future of Commerce
Interlapse Technologies Corp. is a Canadian-based FinTech applications company accelerating the global mega trend of virtual currency adoption. Our signature product coincurve.com, enables a simple, safe way to buy and spend Bitcoin. To learn more, visit www.interlapse.com.

Interlapse currently has 25,025,644 shares outstanding (27,675,644 fully diluted).

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

Forward-Looking Information
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of Interlapse. In making the forward-looking statements, Interlapse has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available, including Interlapse’s strategic plan for the near and mid-term. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Interlapse does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Interlapse Technologies Corp.

Better Choice Company Announces Closing of $28 Million Financing

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Better Choice Company Announces Closing of $28 Million Financing and Acquisition of Halo, Purely for Pets®

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Better Choice Company, Inc. (OTCQB: BTTR) (the “Company” or “Better Choice”), an animal health and wellness CBD company, today announced the closing of its previously announced acquisition of holistic pet foods leader Halo, Purely for Pets® (“Halo®”) and $28 million financing.

Halo is a premium, natural pet food brand with a rich 30-year operating history. Halo’s products consist of a diversified dog and cat portfolio, derived from real whole meat and no rendered meat meal, which is highly digestible due to use of real whole protein. E-commerce is Halo’s largest and fastest growing distribution channel complimenting its brick and mortar presence in leading U.S. retail outlets, including PetSmart and Petco®.

The Halo acquisition is complimentary to the animal health and wellness strategy of Better Choice with its existing brands that include direct-to-consumer premium dehydrated raw pet food through TruDog, Orapup, TruCat and Rawgo as well as hemp-derived CBD pet products.

As part of the transaction Halo Chief Executive Officer, Werner Von Pein, and Chief Strategy Officer, Rob Sauermann, will remain part of the team to lead the operations of this subsidiary, continue to grow distribution via e-commerce, explore Food/Drug/Mass channel expansion opportunities and maintain revenue internationally.

Total consideration for the Halo acquisition is approximately $46.9 million comprised of $23.5 million in cash, $15.0 million in junior subordinated purchaser notes and $8.5 million of common equity.

“We are pleased to close on our financing and welcome Halo to the Better Choice portfolio of premium animal health and wellness brands,” said Damian Dalla-Longa, CEO of Better Choice. “Halo will add to our existing consumer product goods portfolio a global, e-commerce presence as well as operational, financial and commercial synergies. The addition of Werner and Rob will add depth to our team and provide us invaluable strategy and insight going forward.”

“Rob, myself and the rest of the Halo team are eager to join Better Choice in our shared mission to provide better health options for animals,” said Werner von Pein, CEO of Halo. “As part of Better Choice, we will focus on expanding our company’s footprint providing a greater reach of our quality holistic pet foods.”

Under the terms of the offering, Better Choice Company has closed on $28 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Credit Facilities. Interest on the Notes will have a 12% annualized cash interest payable monthly, maturing 12 months from the date of issuance with no prepayment penalty. The financing is also accompanied with $20.0 million of personal guarantees from Insiders and key Stakeholders.

Jefferies LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Halo. Greenberg Traurig represented Halo as counsel. Latham & Watkins served as corporate counsel for Better Choice.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, the Warrants or the common stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of the Notes or the Warrants (collectively, the “Securities”) nor shall there be any sale of the Securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The Securities offered and sold in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration, or an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

About Halo, Purely for Pets®
For over 30 years, Halo® has been dedicated to creating exceptional food that pets love and pet parents trust. Halo® prides itself on the quality of its pet nutrition products using OrigiNative™ GAP and MSC-certified proteins that say no to factory farming and offer Superior Digestibility.  Halo also uses Non-GMO Vegetables in its pet food designed and formulated by an experienced and respected animal nutritionist, and consulted with veterinarians to ensure Halo®  continues to offer the best pet food. With more than 1 million votes cast by readers in the largest survey of vegan products in the world, Garden of Vegan® won the prestigious 2018 VegNews Veggie Award for “Best Dog Food,” leaping ahead of the competition.

About Better Choice Company, Inc.
Better Choice Company, Inc (“BTTR”) is a publicly traded CBD animal health and wellness company founded on the belief that good health practices and nutrition contribute to, and promote, a higher quality of life. The Company has built a portfolio of global animal wellness brands, including TruPet, TruGold and Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog. BTTR’s core product lines comprise ultra-premium, all-natural pet food, treats and supplements, with a special focus on freeze dried and dehydrated raw products. For more information, please visit https://www.betterchoicecompany.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Better Choice has based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Some or all of the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Further information on Better Choice’s risk factors is contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contacts:
Better Choice Company, Inc.
Damian Dalla-Longa, CEO

Investor Contact:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Valter Pinto, Managing Director
212-896-1254
BTTR@KCSA.com

Media Contact:
KCSA Strategic Communications
Caitlin Kasunich, Senior Vice President
212-896-1241
BTTR@KCSA.com

Johnson & Johnson Acquires TARIS Biomedical

By
Administrator
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Johnson & Johnson Acquires TARIS Biomedical with Focus on Transforming the Treatment of Bladder Cancer

Novel Drug Delivery Technology Strengthens Targeted Oncologic Therapy Approach

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Dec. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson & Johnson announced today the acquisition of TARIS Biomedical LLC (TARIS), a privately-owned biotechnology company specializing in the development of a novel drug delivery technology for the treatment of bladder diseases including cancer. The company’s lead clinical-stage product, TAR-200, uses the proprietary TARIS System, which features a silicone-based drug delivery device that allows for the continuous release of medication into the bladder. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

“The TARIS technology provides a first-in-class clinical stage platform to evaluate novel, locally-delivered therapeutics for patients with localized bladder cancer,” said Peter Lebowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “Together with the TARIS team, we look forward to advancing complete regimens to push towards early interception of bladder cancer with the goal of improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, delivering cures.”

Localized bladder cancer is a global unmet need as reflected by high morbidity and limited improvements in treatment over the past two decades. Globally, bladder cancer is the sixth most commonly occurring cancer in men and the 17th most commonly occurring cancer in women.1 There were almost 550,000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed worldwide in 2018.1  The majority of bladder cancers are diagnosed in the early stages with approximately 70 to 75 percent as non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and 25 to 30 percent as muscle invasive bladder cancer.2,3 Progression of the disease is a devastating life-changing event that can result in removal of the bladder in patients fit for surgery.4 Following surgery, and for a large proportion of patients who are unfit for such a procedure, the cancer often progresses into metastatic disease where the five-year survival rate is approximately five percent.5 Considering the global impact and need for new, targeted therapies, Janssen is building upon its innovative efforts and disease expertise to advance novel, locally-delivered therapeutic approaches with a strategy to intercept bladder cancer.

“The TARIS technology and scientific team create an unparalleled convergence opportunity with real potential to deliver differentiated, targeted therapeutics for the treatment of patients with localized bladder cancer,” said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen R&D, Johnson & Johnson. “We are eager to build upon the proof-of-concept data that the TARIS team has generated and advance clinical development of this drug delivery approach for patients who face a bladder cancer diagnosis, and potentially for other types of cancer in the future.”

TARIS will maintain a research presence in Lexington, Massachusetts and become part of Janssen R&D’s Oncology Therapeutic Area. The team will remain focused on the optimization of drug candidates working together with Janssen R&D scientists to advance and deliver future clinical programs applying the TARIS technology, which arose from research conducted at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.

About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the acquisition of TARIS Biomedical LLC. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson and TARIS Biomedical LLC. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the potential that the expected benefits and opportunities of the acquisition may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; challenges inherent in  product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; economic conditions, including currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; manufacturing difficulties and delays; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including tax laws and domestic and foreign health care reforms; adverse litigation or government action; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care products and services; and trends toward health care cost containment. In addition, there will be risks and uncertainties related to the ability of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies to successfully integrate the products and employees/operations and clinical work of TARIS Biomedical LLC, as well as the ability to ensure continued performance or market growth of TARIS Biomedical LLC’s products. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors and the general risks associated with the respective businesses of Johnson & Johnson and TARIS Biomedical LLC can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in the company’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and TARIS Biomedical LLC’s [Annual Report on Form 10-K/Form 20-F] for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018.  TARIS Biomedical LLC prepares its financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Copies of these filings, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com, https://tarisbiomedical.com/ or on request from Johnson & Johnson or TARIS Biomedical LLC. Neither Johnson & Johnson nor TARIS Biomedical LLC undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

1 World Cancer Research Fund, American Institute for Cancer Research. Bladder Cancer Statistics. https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/bladder-cancer-statistics. December 2019.
2 Chang, S. et. Al. Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: 2017 AUA Guidelines Available at: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/bladder-cancer-non-muscle-invasive-guideline Accessed December 2019.
3 Chang, S. et. Al. Treatment of Non-Metastatic Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: 2017 AUA Guidelines Available at: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/bladder-cancer-non-metastatic-muscle-invasive-guideline Accessed December 2019.
4 American Cancer Society. Bladder Cancer Surgery. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/treating/surgery.html. Accessed December 2019.
5 Bladder Cancer: Statistics. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/bladder-cancer/statistics.  Accessed December 2019.

Media Inquiries:
Brian Kenney
Phone: 1-215-620-0111

Suzanne Frost
Phone: 1-416-317-0304

Investor Relations:
Christopher DelOrefice
Phone: 1-732-524-2955

Lesley Fishman
Phone: 1-732-524-3922

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson

Related Links

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