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Ridgewood Infrastructure Announced $1.2 Billion Final Close for Fund II, Significantly Surpassing Its Target

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ridgewood Infrastructure (“Ridgewood”), a leading investor in essential infrastructure in the U.S. lower middle market, today announced the final close of its second fund, Ridgewood Water & Strategic Infrastructure Fund II LP (“Fund II”), with $1.2 billion in capital commitments, significantly surpassing its $1 billion target.

Fund II attracted a diverse mix of leading institutional investors, including returning and new public and corporate pensions, insurance companies, endowment funds, and asset managers from North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

A continuation of Ridgewood’s established strategy, Fund II is focused on investments in essential infrastructure businesses and assets that provide critical services in sectors including water, energy, transportation, and utilities. Ridgewood’s operationally oriented, value creation approach emphasizes scaling, professionalizing, and enhancing the strategic positioning of its investments.

“We are grateful for the continued significant support from our existing partners and are excited to welcome several new LPs from across the globe,” said Ross Posner, Managing Partner of Ridgewood Infrastructure. “This is a meaningful milestone for our firm, and we are deeply appreciative of the trust our partners continue to place in our team and strategy.”

Michael Albrecht, Managing Partner, added: “We look forward to continuing to deliver value for our investors and the many communities in which our portfolio companies operate.”

Fund II has already made several notable investments, including the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center, the third-largest water public-private partnership in U.S. history, which will provide approximately 80% of Fort Lauderdale’s fresh water under a 30-year concession agreement.

Ridgewood has also had notable recent exits from its inaugural fund (“Fund I”). Last October, Fund I sold its controlling interest in the Vista Ridge Water Pipeline, America’s largest water public-private partnership, which supplies approximately 20% of San Antonio’s fresh water under a 30-year concession agreement. Earlier this month, Fund I also sold its controlling interest in SiEnergy, one of the fastest growing regulated utilities in America.

“Our achievements reflect the exceptional capabilities of our team and the strength of the Ridgewood platform,” said Matthew Swanson, Founding Partner of Ridgewood Infrastructure. “We look forward to building upon this strong foundation of success in the years to come.”

Eaton Partners, a Stifel company, acted as the placement agent, and Vinson & Elkins LLP served as legal counsel for the fund.

About Ridgewood Infrastructure
Ridgewood Infrastructure is a leading infrastructure investor in the U.S. lower middle market with sectors of focus including water, energy, transportation, and utilities. For more information, visit www.ridgewoodinfrastructure.com.

Contact Information: Ridgewood Infrastructure
527 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 867-0050
Email: Inquiries@RidgewoodInfrastructure.com

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ridgewood_logo.jpg

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: 2025 AUSTRALIAN SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION AWARDS

SYDNEY, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The stage is set for one of Australia’s most prestigious celebrations of small business excellence!

2025 marks the 27th year that Precedent Productions will honour the outstanding achievements and contributions of the Australian small business community.

With over 100 categories, this year’s awards will crown the nation’s Small Business Champions, with winners announced at two glittering red-carpet gala events at The Star Sydney on 28 and 29 March 2025.

The program is open to all industries and free to enter, with applications closing on 10 February 2025.

“Small businesses play a critical role in creating jobs and driving economic growth across a wide range of industries, often earning the title of the backbone of the national economy,” said Steve Loe, Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions. “The Australian Small Business Champion Awards provide an invaluable opportunity for operators to have their work evaluated by an expert panel, gain industry recognition, and benchmark themselves against the best in their field,” Mr. Loe added.

Among the program’s previous winners is Justin Vetsavong, CEO of Canberra-based Leaky Roof, who took home the 2024 Small Business Champion Entrepreneur Award. “This honour not only recognises my personal achievements but also shines a light on the incredible team behind me,” Justin shared, highlighting the transformative impact of the awards on his business.

Businesses from every corner of the nation – from regional hubs to capital cities – are encouraged to enter.

The Awards are proudly presented in partnership with NOVA Employment, Castaway Forecasting, BOA, VJB Group, Xcllusive Business Sales, and Big Clean.

For information and to submit an entry form, please visit:
https://www.championawards.com.au/business

Fixed income investor meetings – update

FORNEBU, Norway, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reference is made to the announcement by Aker Horizons ASA (“Aker Horizons” or the “Company”) on 9 January 2025 regarding fixed income investor meetings and a potential new bond issue. The Company has met a broad range of investors and experienced strong interest from the market.

The Company has received valuable feedback, which it will evaluate as part of the ongoing process to optimize the Company’s overall capital structure. Accordingly, the Company will not pursue a potential bond offering at this time.

Aker Horizons has a robust liquidity position and benefits from strong support from its main shareholder and creditor Aker ASA. The Company is committed to its strategy of developing green energy and green industry.

For further information, please contact:
Stian Andreassen, Investor Relations, Tel: +47 41 64 31 07
stian.andreassen@akerhorizons.com

Mats Ektvedt, Media, Tel: +47 41 42 33 28
mats.ektvedt@corporatecommunications.no

About Aker Horizons:

Aker Horizons develops green energy and green industry to accelerate the transition to Net Zero. The company is active in renewable energy, carbon capture and sustainable industrial assets. As part of the Aker group, Aker Horizons applies industrial, technological and capital markets expertise with a planet-positive purpose to drive decarbonization globally. Aker Horizons is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and headquartered in Fornebu, Norway. Across its portfolio, the company is present on five continents. www.akerhorizons.com

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This communication is not an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, such offer, sale or solicitation is not authorized or would be unlawful.

This communication contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “will be” and similar expressions. You are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of the Company, and that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward -looking information and statements contained herein. The forward-looking statements in this communication speak only as of the date hereof and, other than as may be required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aker-horizons/r/fixed-income-investor-meetings—update,c4091958

CGTN AMERICA & CCTV UN: “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” hosted by China Media Group returns to New York City

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGTN America & CCTV UN releases “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” hosted by China Media Group returns to New York City

As the Year of the Snake approaches, the “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” event arrives in New York City, celebrating the rich traditions of Chinese New Year.

This year’s event builds on the success and momentum of its widely recognized inaugural event in 2024, bringing Chinese New Year culture to a global audience while fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding among diverse communities worldwide.

Distinguished guests representing China, the U.S. and the United Nations will deliver heartfelt messages promoting cultural exchange and global unity.

A modern Chinese fashion show, inspired by the award-winning video game “Black Myth: Wukong”, is set to dazzle audiences. It will invite NBA stars to join the showcase, bringing an innovative fusion of sports and style to the runway, spotlighting traditional Chinese and contemporary design.

Attendees will enjoy a powerful sign language performance by an America’s Got Talent ‘Golden Buzzer’ winner alongside diverse performers. They will also have the opportunity to participate in an interactive segment to learn festive sign language phrases, promoting inclusivity and barrier-free communication.

International and Chinese musicians and performers, including students from Lincoln High School in the U.S. state of Washington, will come together to celebrate the fusion of East and West, showcasing the beauty of diversity and harmony through songs and dances.

Before the show, guests can enjoy a cultural reception featuring exquisite Chinese artifacts, and opportunities to connect with professionals from various industries.

This year’s event is set to take place on Thursday night, Jan. 16., attracting over 150 distinguished guests. It also comes at a time when the UNESCO has recently inscribed “Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On the Chinese New Year’s Eve, watching the Spring Festival Gala presented by China Media Group has become a new year tradition for people around the world. It brings cheerful memories to generations of viewers, becoming a cultural symbol for the world to explore and understand China. In celebration of UNESCO’s heritage designation, this year’s gala promises to be a grand, joyful and auspicious cultural feast for global audiences.

(This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.)

Contact: Distribution@cgtnamerica.com

GEEKOM Announces the Best Cost-Effective Mini PC- GEEKOM A6

TAIPEI, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GEEKOM, the Green Mini PC Global Leader, is going to release a new model named the A6 on January 17th, 2025.

This mini PC is already available for  pre-order on GEEKOM‘s official website. Priced at $449, it may just be the new best mini PC under $500.


According to the official information, the GEEKOM A6 mini PC employs a well-ventilated aluminum chassis which measures only 0.47 liter, but it packs enormous power under the hood, thanks to the perfect combination of a beefy processor, high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM, and a fast PCIe Gen4 SSD.

At the heart of the GEEKOM A6 is the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor. With 8 powerful Zen3+ cores, 16 threads and 16MB L3 cache, this mobile chip is on par with the latest mainstream desktop CPUs in processing speed, allowing the GEEKOM A6 to handle complex computing duties like multimedia editing, code writing and data-intensive analysis with ease. The integrated Radeon 680M GPU also matches entry-level discrete graphics cards in gaming performance, giving the A6 enough oomph to run modern AAA titles smoothly at 1080P resolution. In addition, the A6 comes with Windows 11 OS, so buyers can use the mini PC right out of the box.

When it comes to heat dissipation, the mini PC features GEEKOM’s super-efficient IceBlast cooling technology. With air being actively redirected to different layers of the system, and pushed out through the rear of the chassis, key internal components can stay cool and stable even when tasks are loaded.

Besides its superb performance, the GEEKOM A6 is also perfectly reliable. It is built with premium material and has undergone rigorous testing before mass production, including 120 hours of high and low temperature test, 90 minutes of vibration test, 15000 cycles of I/O plug-unplug durability test, strict EMI radiation test and more. As a result, the A6’s lifespan is expected to be twice as long as that of mini PCs from other brands. Also, each GEEKOM mini PC is covered by a 3-year limited warranty, and the company offers 24/7 after-sale services for its users.

The A6’s launch event will be streamed live on GEEKOM‘s official YouTube channel on January 17th, 2025. During the launch event, GEEKOM will randomly give viewers promo codes to get the A6 at a discounted price.

Shaping the Future of Learning: ViewSonic to Showcase AI and Innovative Solutions at Bett 2025

LONDON,  Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and EdTech solutions, will unveil its latest EdTech innovations at the upcoming Bett Show 2025 in London at booth #NK10. Under the theme “Let’s Learn Together,” the showcase underscores the company’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into education. Through immersive demonstrations, attendees will experience how the ViewSonic Education Ecosystem fosters inclusive and sustainable smart learning environments, enhancing instruction for educators and engagement for students at all levels.

ViewSonic unveils EdTech innovations at Bett 2025, presenting solutions to transform education and enhance learning experiences.
ViewSonic unveils EdTech innovations at Bett 2025, presenting solutions to transform education and enhance learning experiences.

“At ViewSonic, we believe that education should be accessible, engaging, and transformative for every learner,” said James, CEO of ViewSonic. “By harnessing the power of advanced AI technologies and immersive solutions, we aim to simplify teaching workflows and enhance instructional effectiveness in a truly holistic way. AI is a trusted partner in shaping the future of education, empowering teachers to inspire students. Leveraging our global experience, we continue to evolve our ecosystem to meet the changing needs of modern classrooms.”

Exploring the Future of AI-Powered Education

ViewSonic’s latest AI-driven solution, ChirpAI—an AI teaching assistant currently in its beta stage—leverages smart chatbots to transform teaching and learning. With ChirpAI, teachers can create advanced chatbots to automate daily tasks, deliver personalized instruction, and track student progress. By interacting with students in real time, ChirpAI offers one-on-one support and tailored learning experiences while reducing administrative workloads for educators.

Building on its success in fostering classroom engagement, the ClassSwift interactive platform introduces updated AI-driven features such as Quiz Generator, AI Grading, and Lesson Insights. These features provide real-time analytics to enhance interaction and streamline lesson management. Another milestone is the AI Textbook, a groundbreaking solution developed in collaboration with leading educational publishers. By seamlessly integrating AI capabilities with digital teaching materials on ClassSwift, it enables adaptive learning paths and dynamic classroom experiences.

At the same time, the TeamOne online collaboration tool enhances productivity in teamwork and group projects with AI-powered tools like AI summarization and handwriting recognition. Its cross-device compatibility simplifies communication, enabling teams to coordinate more efficiently.

Solutions Tailored for Diverse Educational Environments

ViewSonic delivers a comprehensive range of solutions designed to elevate teaching and learning experiences. From compact 24-inch monitors for smart podiums to expansive 110-inch ViewBoard interactive displays, these tools adapt seamlessly to classrooms, lecture halls, and other learning spaces. To further empower educators, ViewSonic’s Android EDLA-certified solutions provide intuitive tools that accommodate diverse teaching styles and environments, ensuring greater flexibility and efficiency.

For primary to secondary education, ViewBoard interactive displays, combined with the latest version of myViewBoard, enable more inclusive and engaging digital teaching experiences. Meanwhile, in higher education and hybrid meeting settings, these interactive displays work seamlessly with the TeamJoin meeting room solution. Together, they make it easier for educators and researchers to conduct cross-campus seminars, manage international research projects, and deliver flexible, collaborative educational experiences that transcend physical boundaries.

The impact of ViewSonic’s Education Ecosystem is felt across the globe. In the UK, institutions such as Jesus College at the University of Oxford, Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust, and Nottingham College have successfully adopted ViewSonic’s integrated EdTech solutions. These implementations have improved classroom engagement, enhanced IT management efficiency, and demonstrated the ecosystem’s adaptability across diverse educational settings.

Experience the Future of Learning at Bett 2025

Attendees of Bett 2025 will have the opportunity to experience these innovations firsthand. ViewSonic will host live demonstrations showcasing how its solutions support a wide range of teaching applications. Education experts will also be on-site to provide personalized consultations, offering insights into how these tools can transform teaching practices.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit the ViewSonic Bett 2025 event page.

ViewSonic at Bett 2025

Location: Booth #NK10, ExCeL London

Dates and Times:

  • January 22nd – 23rd, 2025: 10 a.m.6 p.m.
  • January 24th, 2025: 10 a.m.5 p.m.

About ViewSonic

Founded in 1987 in California, ViewSonic is a leading global visual solutions provider with a presence in over 100 countries. The company leverages over 35 years of expertise in visual technology to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, content, and services. ViewSonic offers a wide range of products, with screen sizes spanning from 5 inches to a massive 760 inches. This includes interactive displays, large format displays, LED displays, pen displays, monitors, projectors, SaaS, AI services, interactive content, and more. This innovative ecosystem empowers education, workplaces, and individuals to foster creativity, collaboration, and seamless learning. ViewSonic focuses on designing products that deliver optimal performance and customer satisfaction while integrating sustainable production practices and upholding comprehensive environmental, social, and governance standards. The company’s goal is to enable customers to “See the Difference”. Learn more at www.viewsonic.com.

Americans Embraced International Travel in 2024: eSIM Provider Nomad Reveals The Top Destinations Visited

Study Shows UK, Canada, and Japan as Favorites, Highlighting Trends in Post-Pandemic Travel


NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 January 2025 – As 2024 comes to a close, numerous Americans have ventured across the globe, with some international destinations standing out as clear favorites. Nomad, leveraging insights from over 50,000 of its customers, reveals the top travel destinations by state, showcasing trends in international travel preferences.

Nomad Reveals The Top Destinations Visited in 2024
Nomad Reveals The Top Destinations Visited in 2024

The data provides valuable insights into Americans’ evolving travel aspirations. While well-loved destinations remained popular, a new wave of exploration emerged, with travelers specifically seeking enriching cultural experiences, authentic adventures, and budget-conscious escapes.

Key Findings: Top International Destinations for American Travelers in 2024

United Kingdom — The top choice for 26 states.

Why It’s Popular:

  • A captivating blend of cultural familiarity and exciting new experiences.
  • Vibrant metropolises like London and Edinburgh.
  • Iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge.
  • Convenient access to other European destinations.

Canada — The top choice for 14 states.

Why It’s Popular:

  • Proximity, affordability, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
  • Experiences ranging from iconic destinations like Banff National Park and Niagara Falls to vibrant cities.

Japan — Captivating travelers from 8 states.

Why It’s Popular:

  • A unique blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels.
  • Captivating seasonal attractions and diverse cultural experiences.
  • A favorable exchange rate.

Emerging Destinations:

  • Southeast Asia: Particularly Bali, Indonesia, this destination is popular among digital nomads and travelers seeking a balanced lifestyle.
  • Italy: This country maintains its allure for discerning travelers seeking cultural immersion and world-class culinary experiences.

American Travelers Are Seeking Deeper Connections

This study offers a glimpse into not just where Americans traveled in 2024, but also what motivates them in a world reshaped by global events. The data suggests a deeper shift in traveler priorities, with a growing emphasis on authentic experiences, cultural immersion, and personal growth. This trend has the potential to reshape not only the travel industry, but also cross-cultural understanding and global connections in the years to come.

“This data reveals a powerful trend that goes beyond simple wanderlust,” says Eric Morhenn, eSIM expert and COO, at Nomad. “Americans are not just traveling to new places; they’re seeking transformative experiences that foster personal growth and cross-cultural understanding.”

“Whether it’s exploring ancient traditions in Japan, connecting with nature in Canada, or immersing themselves in the history of the UK, their journeys are shaping a more interconnected and culturally aware world. At Nomad, we’re proud to support this evolution by providing the seamless connectivity that enables these enriching experiences.”

Nomad’s eSIM data plan perfectly caters to the needs of modern explorers. By providing seamless connectivity in over 190 destinations, such as Japan, Thailand, and Australia, Nomad empowers travelers to navigate bustling city streets, capture and share unforgettable moments, and stay connected with loved ones—all without the hassle of physical SIM cards.Hashtag: #esim #traveldata #study #travel #simcard





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Nomad

Nomad is a leading provider of international data eSIMs, offering seamless connectivity across more than 190 destinations worldwide. With a user-friendly platform, Nomad enables travelers to select data plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring reliable 4G/5G internet access without the hassle of traditional SIM cards. Committed to innovation and customer satisfaction, Nomad simplifies global communication, allowing users to stay connected effortlessly during their journeys. For more information, visit .

STRADVISION Introduces Data Management Workflow Model to Accelerate Mass Production of ‘SVNet 3D Perception Network’

  • Enhancing 3D Data Processing Efficiency to Propel Next-Generation Algorithm Development of 3D Perception Network

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — STRADVISION, a leader in deep learning-based vision perception technology, today announced the successful deployment of its Data Management Workflow. This advanced system is designed to support the development and mass production of the SVNet 3D Perception Network and was showcased to customers at CES® 2025.

STRADVISION's Data Management Workflow Model to Accelerate Mass Production of 'SVNet 3D Perception Network'
STRADVISION’s Data Management Workflow Model to Accelerate Mass Production of ‘SVNet 3D Perception Network’

The Data Management Workflow developed by STRADVISION integrates end-to-end automation and optimization, spanning data collection, processing, labeling, and cost settlement. By transitioning these processes to a cloud infrastructure, the workflow achieves significant advancements in data quality, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.

With the growing demand for 3D data processing—critical for autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)— STRADVISION has expanded its focus from 2D vision-centered data to 3D data, including LiDAR and multi-camera datasets. This shift necessitated an innovative, automated solution capable of handling large-scale data efficiently while improving data labeling quality and minimizing costs.

To meet these challenges, STRADVISION developed its Data Management Workflow, featuring:

  • High-quality data collection with SURF: Leveraging the STRADVISION Unified Recording Framework (SURF), this system integrates diverse sensor data to maximize data quality.
  • Automated data pipeline: With a scalable architecture based on Kubernetes clusters and Airflow, the data pipeline optimizes computing server resources for high-performance algorithms and automates data processing, enabling efficient handling of large-scale data.
  • Web-based labeling tool (Labelit): Supports labeling interfaces for multi-channel cameras and 3D data, enabling the labeling of various ADAS products within a single tool. By leveraging high-quality pre-labeling results from ALT (Auto Labeling Tool) and real-time corrections provided by ALAS (Auto Labeling Assistant Service), it maximizes efficiency, offers accurate workflow guidance, reduces error rates, and enhances data quality.
  • Settlement and analysis automation: Employing Workload Logging Service (WLS) and Workload Replay Service (WRS) to automate task analysis and cost management of labeling, driving operational efficiency.

Internally, this innovative workflow enables STRADVISION to accelerate data processing and quality assurance. Externally, it empowers customers by delivering high-quality data quickly, supporting their technology development and performance optimization efforts.

Recent collaborations have highlighted STRADVISION’s expertise in data processing and technological leadership. For example, its Auto Labeling Assistant Service(ALAS) and Deskewing(motion compensation for LiDAR and video data) solutions received high customer praise, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the industry.

“This Data Management Workflow represents more than just operational efficiency; it is a critical enabler for the commercialization of autonomous driving technology,” said Junhwan Kim, CEO of STRADVISION. “We are committed to driving innovation and strengthening our global leadership through close collaboration with our customers.”

For more information on STRADVISION and its industry-leading technologies, please visit STRADVISION

About STRADVISION 

Founded in 2014, STRADVISION is an automotive industry pioneer in artificial intelligence-based vision perception technology for ADAS. The company is accelerating the advent of fully autonomous vehicles by making ADAS features available at a fraction of the market cost compared with competitors. STRADVISION’s SVNet is being deployed on various vehicle models in partnership with OEMs; can power ADAS and autonomous vehicles worldwide; and is serviced by over 300 employees in Seoul, San Jose, Detroit, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Dusseldorf. STRADVISION has been honored with Frost & Sullivan’s 2022 Global Technology Innovation Leadership Award, the Gold Award at the 2022 and 2021 AutoSens Awards for Best-in-Class Software for Perception Systems, and the 2020 Autonomous Vehicle Technology ACES Award in Autonomy (software category). In addition, STRADVISION and its software have achieved TISAX’s AL3 standard for information security management, as well as being certified to the ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and ISO 26262 for Automotive Functional Safety.