วัน: 8 เมษายน 2026

A new funding model pits 9 professional investor funds against 1 crowd-driven fund to test who can best identify breakout companies in gaming, XR, and interactive media.LAS VEGAS, NV, Apr 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Droid Investment Funds today announced the launch of the 10 Fund Competition, an innovative startup funding model built around a simple but powerful question: Who is better at spotting the future—professional investors or the crowd?Structured as a live contest, nine professionally managed funds and one crowd fund will discover and accelerate promising companies across gaming, esports, XR, spatial computing, creator tools, and interactive commerce.Unlike traditional venture capital models where allocation decisions occur behind closed doors, this competition makes startup selection visible, dynamic, and participatory. Professional fund managers bring deep industry experience, elite networks, and rigorous investment discipline. The crowd fund represents collective market conviction. Over time, both sides will be measured publicly by the performance of the companies they back.“We are building more than a funding platform,” said Andrew Prell, Founder of Convergence 4D. “We are building a public competition around conviction, discovery, and startup selection. For too long, founders have had to rely on closed circles and private gatekeepers. This model opens the process and lets the market see, in real time, whether institutional judgment or community insight is better at identifying the next generation of winners.”Far from being a new idea, the 10 Fund Competition traces back to 2018, when Prell published the underlying framework in Blockchain vs. The VC and The Virtuous Circle of Token Based Investment Funds. The ideas gained traction; in a recorded public forum at a Silicon Valley conference that year, leading economists questioned whether the model represented entirely new principles of token-based economics.Beyond Capital: Real-World Network Effects For founders, the opportunity goes well beyond capital. Startups entering the competition gain unprecedented visibility, market validation, and compound momentum. They are entering an environment where investor support and market attention accelerate together.At the center of this model is the crowd fund, serving as a live benchmark. Rather than treating the public as spectators, the structure gives the crowd a meaningful, active role in discovery.“This is a real test,” Prell added. “Can a well-informed crowd outperform traditional investors? Can collective conviction see opportunities that professional capital overlooks? We believe that question is worth answering publicly.”As the platform grows, the 10 Fund Competition will become a capital formation engine and a public scoreboard for startup discovery. Droid Investment Funds is currently finalizing the manager lineup and expanding early access for founders ahead of launch.About Droid Investment Funds Droid Investment Funds backs startups in gaming, XR, esports, and interactive media. Its 10 Fund Competition brings together professional managers and a crowd fund in a public contest to support high-potential companies.Media Contact:Jarvis GaoMedia RelationsTeam@silicanexus.com702-490-3674 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Guoyuan International issued a research report on Essex Bio-Technology on 1 April 2026. Essex posted steady operating performance growth in 2025 and kicked off its international expansion, as the Phase III clinical trial of bevacizumab met its primary endpoint and Beifushu® was successfully introduced to Singapore. The global commercialisation of innovative drugs is expected to drive the company’s earnings growth. The institution maintains a BUY rating on the Company with a target price of HK$6.84, representing 84.9% upside from the current price.Essex Bio-Technology’s core R&D pipeline has secured a series of critical milestones. The global phase 3 clinical project of bevacizumab ophthalmic injection (AURA2) has completed the last patient last visit in Australia, European Union countries and the United States, with data analysis now in progress. A Biologics License Application (BLA) for anti-VEGF ophthalmic injection EB12-20145P (HLX04-O, bevacizumab) was accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Results from the phase 3 clinical trial of HLX04-O in Chinese patients showed that the primary endpoint was met, with the mean change in BCVA from baseline at week 48 being non-inferior to that in the ranibizumab group, and HLX04-O had a good safety profile in wet-AMD patients. Currently, no bevacizumab products marketed globally are approved for wet-AMD indication, suggesting substantial market potential. Meanwhile, Essex Bio-Technology has secured exclusive global rights to SkQ1 eye drops from Mitotech and is advancing its US phase III clinical trial, with favourable safety and tolerability demonstrated in VISTA-1 and VISTA-2 trials, which boasts huge commercial potential targeting the large moderate-to-severe dry eye disease market in the PRC.Essex Bio-Technology’s internationalisation strategy has also achieved landmark progress. Beifushu® has been successfully introduced to Singapore via the Special Access Route (SAR) at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), marking the product’s first entry beyond the PRC and laying a solid foundation for future launches in Southeast Asia and global markets. The company has entered into a collaboration with Beijing Airdoc Technology Co., Ltd. to jointly operate artificial intelligence-based retinal businesses, and signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Seefunge Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. for its emedastine difumarate and oxybuprocaine hydrochloride eye drops, further optimising the ophthalmic product portfolio and business layout.Supported by Essex Bio-Technology’s steady 2025 operating performance, with revenue amounted to HK$1,814.0 million (+8.6% YoY), profit for the year amounted to HK$318.0 million (+3.5% YoY), gross profit margin remained at a high industry level of 89.2%; coupled with its robust innovative drug pipeline and smooth global expansion, Guoyuan Internatioanl forecasts the company’s 2026-2028 revenue at HK$1,871.0 million, HK$2,130.0 million and HK$2,475.0 million respectively. The institution maintains the target price of HK$6.84, representing 12x 2025 PE and 84.9% upside from the current price, and reiterates the BUY rating for Essex Bio-Technology.Important Disclosure:This content extracts and integrates original content and key highlights from the research report “Essex Bio-Technology (1061.HK) Updated Report: Steady Growth in Performance, International Expansion Begins” published by Guoyuan International on 1 April 2026. All information is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice. Investment involves risks, please make decisions with caution. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

SINGAPORE, Apr 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Alpix, a decentralized perpetuals exchange developed by a team of blockchain practitioners and active traders, today shared early observations from its closed beta testing phase of its integrated AI-assisted trading platform. Since launch, Alpix has surpassed 20 thousand registered users, reflecting growing demand for self-custodial on-chain perpetuals and AI-assisted trading tools.The initial testing period indicated that certain strategies were able to generate positive returns under specific market conditions, while more neutral and balanced approaches demonstrated relatively stable performance over the test window.Alpix combines an on-chain perpetuals exchange with an AI-assisted trading application and a crypto-linked debit card concept, aiming to provide a unified ecosystem for on-chain execution, automated strategies, and real-world usability."We designed the Alpix AI Trader as a tool to assist users in navigating the market with continuous data analysis and automated execution," said a Alpix spokesperson. "Early testing suggests that different strategy profiles may suit different user preferences, particularly in terms of risk tolerance and market conditions."Early Beta Testing ObservationsDuring a closed beta involving a limited number of users and internal accounts, Alpix AI Trader demonstrated the following characteristics:Performance varied across strategy types and market conditions Some directional strategies showed stronger performance during periods of heightened market volatility, while outcomes varied depending on timing and execution.More balanced strategies showed relatively stable behaviour Market-neutral and balanced approaches generally exhibited more consistent, moderate performance with comparatively lower drawdowns during the observed period.Continuous on-chain executionThe AI-assisted system operated continuously, analysing market data and executing trades on-chain when enabled by users. Trading activity during testing contributed to platform-level liquidity and execution flow.All observations are based on limited beta testing and historical data. Performance may vary significantly in live market conditions, and no results should be interpreted as indicative of future outcomes. Trading involves risk, including potential loss of capital.A Three-Pillar Trading EcosystemAlpix Perpetuals Exchange: Alpix provides on-chain perpetual futures trading through user-controlled wallets, aiming to reduce reliance on centralized custody. The platform features a simplified fee structure and supports a range of trading pairs. Users can connect via widely used Web3 wallets such as MetaMask, Binance Wallet, and WalletConnect.Alpix AI Trader dApp: The integrated AI-assisted trading application is designed to analyze market data and support automated trade execution based on predefined strategy profiles. It supports a range of approaches, including long-only, short-only, and market-neutral configurations, allowing users to select strategies aligned with their individual risk preferences. Automated trading activity may also contribute to overall platform liquidity and market participation.Crypto Debit Card and Future Utility Exploration: Alpix is exploring the development of a crypto-linked debit card intended to enable real-world spending of digital assets, subject to regulatory and operational considerations. Additional features under consideration include staking mechanisms and user participation models that may expand platform functionality over time.Future Token and Governance ConsiderationsAlpix is evaluating the potential introduction of a platform token and a decentralized governance framework.The proposed model would aim to enable broader community participation in platform development and decision-making processes, subject to further design, regulatory review, and implementation timelines.No token issuance has been finalized, and details may evolve as the platform develops.About AlpixAlpix is a decentralized perpetuals exchange focused on combining self-custodial trading infrastructure with AI-assisted strategy tools and potential real-world payment integrations.The platform is designed for users interested in on-chain trading, automated strategies, and emerging decentralized financial ecosystems, with ongoing development toward expanded functionality and governance models.For more information, visit app.alpix.io Media ContactIgnatius ChenX: https://x.com/Alpix_ioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpix.io/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alpix.io Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sigenergy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sigenergy” or the “Company”, Stock Code: 06656.HK), a phenomenal "fast-track dark horse" in the global AI+ energy storage sector, today officially announced the launch of its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The Hong Kong Public Offering commences on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and is expected to close at 12:00 noon on Monday, April 13, 2026. Trading of the Company’s H shares on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEX) is expected to begin on Thursday, April 16, 2026.According to the Global Offering documents, Sigenergy (06656.HK) plans to offer a total of 13,573,900 H Shares (subject to the Over-allotment Option). The offering comprises a Hong Kong Public Offering of 10% and an International Offering of 90% of the total offer shares, with an additional Over-allotment Option of 15%. The offer price is set at HK$324.20 per H Share, with a board lot size of 100 H Shares.Sigenergy’s IPO is underpinned by a powerhouse ensemble of world-class capital, featuring a prestigious cornerstone lineup of 19 investors. This A-list roster includes Temasek Holdings, UBS Asset Management (Hong Kong), Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Hillhouse Investment, BNP Paribas Asset Management, Barings, ORIX Group, CPE, Perseverance Asset Management, Greenwoods Asset Management, Boyu Capital, Fullgoal Fund, China Pacific Insurance (Group), and AXA. This diverse group of top-tier global sovereign wealth funds, international asset managers, leading private equity firms, and major insurance giants underscores the profound confidence global investors have in Sigenergy’s leadership within the AI-native energy storage sector, its superior product capabilities, and its highly certain growth trajectory.As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s revenue skyrocketed from RMB 58 million in 2023 to RMB 9 billion in 2025—a phenomenal increase of over 150 times that marks a landmark growth trajectory in the industry. Meanwhile, Sigenergy’s profitability has seen significant improvement, achieving a turnaround to profit in 2024. The gross margin climbed steadily from 31.3% in 2023 to 50.1% in 2025. With an adjusted net margin reaching 35.9% in 2025, both core indicators rank among the highest in the global distributed energy storage sector. Sigenergy is poised to become the youngest Chinese enterprise to achieve the fastest listing on the HKEX.Sigenergy focuses on the integrated innovation of "AI + New Energy," building a systematic competitive advantage centered on its "AI in All" strategy, which deeply integrates hardware with intelligent technology. The Company's flagship product, SigenStor, is the world's first "5-in-1" integrated solar-storage-charging system, redefining distributed energy product standards through its ultra-integrated architecture. The Company has established an all-scenario product matrix covering residential, commercial and industrial (C&I), and utility-scale power station applications. Furthermore, Sigenergy deeply integrates AI capabilities across the entire value chain—from R&D and smart manufacturing to system operations—creating a truly "thinking and evolving" smart energy ecosystem.Leveraging its international development strategy, Sigenergy has secured leading positions in several core markets. In 2024, the Company ranked first globally in the stackable distributed all-in-one energy storage segment with a 28.6% market share. It also holds the top market share in Australia, Ireland, and South Africa; notably, it has remained at the top of the Australian market for 11 consecutive months in 2025. To date, the Company has built a sales network covering 85 countries and established strategic partnerships with 172 industry-leading distributors.To support the rapid expansion of its global business, Sigenergy has strategically established three production bases in the Lingang Special Area and Jinqiao in Shanghai, as well as in Nantong, Jiangsu. The Nantong Smart Energy Center, representing an investment of approximately RMB 500 million, achieves significant improvements in production efficiency and process quality by deeply integrating AI technology into the manufacturing system. As of the end of 2025, the Company's annual design capacity for inverters approached 360,000 units, while the annual design capacity for energy storage batteries exceeded 5.6 gigawatt-hours (GWh).The net proceeds from this IPO will be primarily used for the research and development of next-generation AI energy systems, the expansion of the global sales network and overseas branding, and for general working capital. The Global Offering is jointly led by a prestigious group of investment banks. CITIC Securities and BNP Paribas are acting as the Joint Sponsors, Overall Coordinators, and Joint Global Coordinators. CICC serves as the Other Overall Coordinator, Joint Global Coordinator, Joint Bookrunner, and Joint Lead Manager. Together, these top-tier institutions are safeguarding Sigenergy’s debut in the capital markets.Media Inquiries:EVER BLOOM (HK) COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANTS GROUP LIMITED  Ms. Claire ZhangTel: (852) 3468 8171Email: project_alps.list@everbloom.com.cn Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Shoucheng Holdings (0697.HK) has continued to step up returns to shareholders. Data shows that since Chairman Zhao Tianyang took office in 2018, the company has returned approximately HK$6.877 billion to shareholders in total, including HK$5.98 billion in cumulative dividends (including announced but not yet distributed dividends for 2026) and HK$897 million in cumulative share buybacks. The parallel implementation of dividends and buybacks demonstrates that, while continuously improving its operating quality, the company is also steadily strengthening its tangible cash returns to investors.Behind Shoucheng Holdings’ high level of shareholder returns lies the support of solid business fundamentals. Looking over a longer time horizon, since Chairman Zhao Tianyang assumed office in early 2018, the company’s total assets have grown from HK$8.186 billion to HK$15.57 billion, representing an approximately 1.9-fold increase over eight years and a compound annual growth rate of about 8.37%. Net profit attributable to shareholders increased from HK$57 million to HK$310 million, or about 5.4 times. This indicates that during the company’s strategic transformation, its profitability, asset depth, and capital market value have all improved continuously, laying a solid foundation for sustained dividends, buybacks, and business expansion. Meanwhile, the company’s financial structure has continued to improve. The latest annual report shows that in 2025, the ratio of net cash flow from operating activities to total assets increased by 98% year-on-year, while the asset-liability ratio fell to 28.4% and the interest-bearing debt ratio declined to 6.2%. This means that the company’s current high level of shareholder returns is not built on high-leverage overextension, but rather on proactive returns supported by an improved asset structure, stronger cash flow, and steady growth in its core businesses.As its operating fundamentals continue to strengthen, Shoucheng Holdings has also been increasing the intensity of its shareholder returns. According to the latest annual report, the board has decided to declare total annual dividends of HK$780 million, corresponding to a dividend yield of about 5.6% based on the company’s average annual market capitalization. As a cross-market reference, the dividend yield of the Hang Seng Index stood at 2.94% as of February 27, 2026. Shoucheng Holdings’ payout level is therefore clearly above this market benchmark, making it particularly attractive in the current Hong Kong stock market environment, where investors are placing greater emphasis on certainty of returns.In addition to continuous dividend payments, Shoucheng Holdings has also noticeably accelerated its share buyback efforts recently. According to the company’s latest disclosure, as of April 2, 2026, it had conducted 28 buybacks during the year, repurchasing a total of approximately 119 million shares for an aggregate amount of about HK$223 million. Since March 30 alone, the company has implemented buybacks on four consecutive trading days, with a cumulative repurchase amount of about HK$94.74 million. The clearly accelerated pace of recent buybacks not only reflects management’s recognition of the company’s long-term value, but also further reinforces the company’s proactive commitment to continuously rewarding shareholders and stabilizing market expectations.In the current market environment, listed companies capable of sustaining high-level dividends while simultaneously carrying out share buybacks are relatively rare. On the one hand, Shoucheng Holdings continues to enhance shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks; on the other hand, it is steadily consolidating its operating foundation through its dual core businesses of asset operations and industrial funds, gradually forming a virtuous cycle of “improving operations, deepening cash resources, and enhancing shareholder returns.” As the company continues to deliver on its shareholder return mechanism, its long-term investment value is expected to become increasingly evident.  Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com