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Lottery.com (the “Company”), a leading platform that allows users to play the lottery online, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Mexican lottery companies JuegaLotto and Aganar to expand its operations to Mexico and throughout Latin America. JuegaLotto is federally licensed to sell international lottery games in Mexico through an authorized federal gaming portal and is licensed for games of chance in other countries throughout Latin America. Aganar is licensed to sell Mexican National Lottery draw games, instant win tickets, and other games of chance online with access to a federally approved online casino and sportsbook gaming license. The closing of the acquisitions is subject to standard closing conditions.

In a natural response to injury or infection, the body produces chemicals that trigger the immune system to release antibodies and proteins plus increase blood flow to the afflicted area, which aids healing and produces inflammation. However, the immune system and the inflammatory processes have pernicious aspects far removed from beneficial healing. In fact, inflammation has been directly linked to a wide variety of physical and mental health maladies. Inflammation is also a symptom of infectious diseases, implicated in noninfectious diseases, and new findings show a causal relationship with postsurgical trauma. Inflammatory diseases are recognized as the most significant cause of death in the world, with more than 50% of all deaths attributed to inflammation-related diseases. The recognition of the connection between inflammation and disease sparked a flurry of biotech research and a new generation of drug development to treat previously untreatable disorders. World renowned scientists that now lead 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: ATNF) (180 Profile) pioneered the research and development of one of the first anti-inflammatory therapeutics to ever reach market, and today these drugs generate multiple billions of dollars in annual sales. Critical to creation of some the most important and profitable drugs ever on the market, the 180 team is in hot pursuit of new anti-inflammatory blockbusters with active programs in both preclinical and clinical studies. The world’s largest and most broadly based health-care company, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), owns Remicade (infliximab), a blockbuster several times over with approved use in a range of inflammatory diseases. The founders of 180 Life Sciences discovered the anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) drug class that led to the development of Remicade and to a $4.9 billion merger between JNJ and Centocor Biotech. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) owns Humira, an anti-TNF therapeutic and top-selling drug in the world. The scientists at 180 Life Sciences licensed the anti-TNF technology in development of Humira. One of the world’s leading biotech’s, Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN), bought Celgene’s blockbuster anti-inflammatory drug Otezla in 2019 for $13.4 billion in cash, and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) recently announced a deal for Rigel Pharmaceuticals’ autoimmune and inflammatory diseases treatment for $960 million. In addition to delivering much-needed relief for previously untreatable maladies, eye-popping sales and king-sized acquisitions are likely to accelerate in the anti-inflammatory space, as more new and highly effective drugs come to market.

The push for psychedelic medicine is surging across North America and around the world. Scientific evidence supports the life-changing impact this safe and natural alternative has in treating mental illness of all types. New research from a number of organizations, including Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and Imperial College in London, which revealed that patients with depressive disorders had a clinically significant positive response to psilocybin-assisted therapy may represent a therapeutic breakthrough in treating multiple neurological disorders. As research expands, so does support for the revolutionary treatment, which has actually been around for centuries. As seen before, anecdotal opinions often trigger scientific research which then, with validation, drives growth in the industry as well investor interest. That’s exactly what’s occurring in the psychedelic therapeutics space, major upticks in both new companies entering the space as well as investors excited about the possibilities. Potential stakeholders in this game-changing new market are looking for companies that can weather the complex and expensive process of running clinical trials and bringing a drug to market. A leader in psychedelic therapeutic research and drug development, Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (OTCQB: CLXPF) (Profile) has a strong clinical pipeline with phase 2 trials underway, holds ten provisional patents, and boasts a proven leadership and a time-tested tradition. Other companies vying for position in the psychedelics medicine space include COMPASS Pathways Plc (NASDAQ: CMPS), Mind Medicine Inc (OTCQB: MMEDF) (NEO: MMED), Numinus Wellness Inc. (OTC: LKYSF) (NEO: NUMI) (TSX.V: NUMI) and Field Trip Health Ltd. (OTCQX: FTRPF) (CSE: FTRP). Each of these companies is focused on providing better treatments for the millions suffering from mental health issues.

In a natural response to injury or infection, the body produces chemicals that trigger the immune system to release antibodies and proteins plus increase blood flow to the afflicted area, which aids healing and produces inflammation. However, the immune system and the inflammatory processes have pernicious aspects far removed from beneficial healing. In fact, inflammation has been directly linked to a wide variety of physical and mental health maladies. Inflammation is also a symptom of infectious diseases, implicated in noninfectious diseases, and new findings show a causal relationship with postsurgical trauma. Inflammatory diseases are recognized as the most significant cause of death in the world, with more than 50% of all deaths attributed to inflammation-related diseases. The recognition of the connection between inflammation and disease sparked a flurry of biotech research and a new generation of drug development to treat previously untreatable disorders. World renowned scientists that now lead 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: ATNF) (180 Profile) pioneered the research and development of one of the first anti-inflammatory therapeutics to ever reach market, and today these drugs generate multiple billions of dollars in annual sales. Critical to creation of some the most important and profitable drugs ever on the market, the 180 team is in hot pursuit of new anti-inflammatory blockbusters with active programs in both preclinical and clinical studies. The world’s largest and most broadly based health-care company, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), owns Remicade (infliximab), a blockbuster several times over with approved use in a range of inflammatory diseases. The founders of 180 Life Sciences discovered the anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) drug class that led to the development of Remicade and to a $4.9 billion merger between JNJ and Centocor Biotech. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) owns Humira, an anti-TNF therapeutic and top-selling drug in the world. The scientists at 180 Life Sciences licensed the anti-TNF technology in development of Humira. One of the world’s leading biotech’s, Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN), bought Celgene’s blockbuster anti-inflammatory drug Otezla in 2019 for $13.4 billion in cash, and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) recently announced a deal for Rigel Pharmaceuticals’ autoimmune and inflammatory diseases treatment for $960 million. In addition to delivering much-needed relief for previously untreatable maladies, eye-popping sales and king-sized acquisitions are likely to accelerate in the anti-inflammatory space, as more new and highly effective drugs come to market.

The push for psychedelic medicine is surging across North America and around the world. Scientific evidence supports the life-changing impact this safe and natural alternative has in treating mental illness of all types. New research from a number of organizations, including Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and Imperial College in London, which revealed that patients with depressive disorders had a clinically significant positive response to psilocybin-assisted therapy may represent a therapeutic breakthrough in treating multiple neurological disorders. As research expands, so does support for the revolutionary treatment, which has actually been around for centuries. As seen before, anecdotal opinions often trigger scientific research which then, with validation, drives growth in the industry as well investor interest. That’s exactly what’s occurring in the psychedelic therapeutics space, major upticks in both new companies entering the space as well as investors excited about the possibilities. Potential stakeholders in this game-changing new market are looking for companies that can weather the complex and expensive process of running clinical trials and bringing a drug to market. A leader in psychedelic therapeutic research and drug development, Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (OTCQB: CLXPF) (Profile) has a strong clinical pipeline with phase 2 trials underway, holds ten provisional patents, and boasts a proven leadership and a time-tested tradition. Other companies vying for position in the psychedelics medicine space include COMPASS Pathways Plc (NASDAQ: CMPS), Mind Medicine Inc (OTCQB: MMEDF) (NEO: MMED), Numinus Wellness Inc. (OTC: LKYSF) (NEO: NUMI) (TSX.V: NUMI) and Field Trip Health Ltd. (OTCQX: FTRPF) (CSE: FTRP). Each of these companies is focused on providing better treatments for the millions suffering from mental health issues.

The U.S. is a global military superpower, providing its 2.4 million active and reserve troops with every conceivable capability through a massive military industrial complex. Big budgets and copious defense contractors design and build just about anything a soldier could possibly need. To protect our nation and our troops, that’s exactly the way it should be. However, the same commitment, resources and support aren’t afforded to the nation’s 2+ million law enforcement and security personnel, a dedicated and highly skilled group of professionals often left with little more than the technical equivalent of a #2 pencil and notepad to protect 330+ million Americans. Knightscope, Inc. (Profile) is on a crusade to deliver much-needed technological innovation to the law enforcement and security markets to more efficiently and effectively protect the people and property of America from coast-to-coast. The company’s unique combination of self-driving autonomous technology, robotics and A.I. provides law enforcement and security professionals smart eyes & ears. This technological innovation allows humans make decisions faster, smarter and safer while machines do the monotonous, computationally heavy and often dangerous work. Knightscope’s robotic expertise incorporates the best attributes from varied industries, such as the adeptness of defense contractors Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) and General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), as well as the autonomous aptitude of Velodyne Lidar Inc. (NASDAQ: VLDR) and the abilities of vehicle electrification being led by Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA).

Inexorable forces are propelling the growth of e-learning at a blistering pace. Online-learning markets were ignited by high education costs, business training programs and a wave of tech innovations, then scorching pandemic demand turned the market into an inferno. The market has legs far beyond the pandemic with constant requests coming from businesses, universities and K-12 schools, eager to train and upskill workers. Little wonder a myriad of companies look to gain traction in the space since the online education market that stood at just $144 billion in 2019 is expected to catapult past $374 billion by 2026. Even more astounding is that these stellar-growth projections are pre-pandemic numbers, and market estimates should easily blow past current forecasts. However, to deliver e-learning that works, tech platforms must address and meet the widely disparate needs of individual schools and varied businesses. A one-size-fits-all approach is doomed to fail when trying to educate, especially in a virtual venue. There’s a critical need for tailored programs as well as wholesale improvement in the way content is created and delivered. Technology innovator Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST) (Profile) has established a new paradigm in e-learning. The company has created what is arguably the most advanced artificial intelligence driven online learning platform in the entire industry. With the capacity to upload an organization’s entire training and educational materials into a single point of access, Amesite’s customizable SaaS (software-as-a-service) platform is engaging, easy to use and delivers concrete measurable results. The company’s cloud-based platform and content creation services uniquely provide fully managed learning environments that easily integrate and work for business, universities, and K-12 schools. Taking a different tack, Chegg Inc. (NYSE: CHGG) operates direct-to-student learning platforms as well as provides digital textbook rentals, online tutoring and other student services. SaaS behemoth Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) offers a portfolio of business training applications and Office 365 Education for students, faculty and staff to meet virtually, create content and share resources. This transformation of the education experience is made possible by technology from companies such as Cloudflare Inc. Class A (NYSE: NET), which protects and accelerates internet applications online without adding hardware or installing software, and Zoom Video Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM), which easily connects people through frictionless video, voice, chat and content sharing across multiple devices and diverse locations.

The U.S. is a global military superpower, providing its 2.4 million active and reserve troops with every conceivable capability through a massive military industrial complex. Big budgets and copious defense contractors design and build just about anything a soldier could possibly need. To protect our nation and our troops, that’s exactly the way it should be. However, the same commitment, resources and support aren’t afforded to the nation’s 2+ million law enforcement and security personnel, a dedicated and highly skilled group of professionals often left with little more than the technical equivalent of a #2 pencil and notepad to protect 330+ million Americans. Knightscope, Inc. (Profile) is on a crusade to deliver much-needed technological innovation to the law enforcement and security markets to more efficiently and effectively protect the people and property of America from coast-to-coast. The company’s unique combination of self-driving autonomous technology, robotics and A.I. provides law enforcement and security professionals smart eyes & ears. This technological innovation allows humans make decisions faster, smarter and safer while machines do the monotonous, computationally heavy and often dangerous work. Knightscope’s robotic expertise incorporates the best attributes from varied industries, such as the adeptness of defense contractors Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) and General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), as well as the autonomous aptitude of Velodyne Lidar Inc. (NASDAQ: VLDR) and the abilities of vehicle electrification being led by Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA).

Inexorable forces are propelling the growth of e-learning at a blistering pace. Online-learning markets were ignited by high education costs, business training programs and a wave of tech innovations, then scorching pandemic demand turned the market into an inferno. The market has legs far beyond the pandemic with constant requests coming from businesses, universities and K-12 schools, eager to train and upskill workers. Little wonder a myriad of companies look to gain traction in the space since the online education market that stood at just $144 billion in 2019 is expected to catapult past $374 billion by 2026. Even more astounding is that these stellar-growth projections are pre-pandemic numbers, and market estimates should easily blow past current forecasts. However, to deliver e-learning that works, tech platforms must address and meet the widely disparate needs of individual schools and varied businesses. A one-size-fits-all approach is doomed to fail when trying to educate, especially in a virtual venue. There’s a critical need for tailored programs as well as wholesale improvement in the way content is created and delivered. Technology innovator Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST) (Profile) has established a new paradigm in e-learning. The company has created what is arguably the most advanced artificial intelligence driven online learning platform in the entire industry. With the capacity to upload an organization’s entire training and educational materials into a single point of access, Amesite’s customizable SaaS (software-as-a-service) platform is engaging, easy to use and delivers concrete measurable results. The company’s cloud-based platform and content creation services uniquely provide fully managed learning environments that easily integrate and work for business, universities, and K-12 schools. Taking a different tack, Chegg Inc. (NYSE: CHGG) operates direct-to-student learning platforms as well as provides digital textbook rentals, online tutoring and other student services. SaaS behemoth Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) offers a portfolio of business training applications and Office 365 Education for students, faculty and staff to meet virtually, create content and share resources. This transformation of the education experience is made possible by technology from companies such as Cloudflare Inc. Class A (NYSE: NET), which protects and accelerates internet applications online without adding hardware or installing software, and Zoom Video Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM), which easily connects people through frictionless video, voice, chat and content sharing across multiple devices and diverse locations.

Despite concerns connected with tobacco use, the global tobacco market reached an estimated $818 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8% from 2021 to 2028; the United States is forecast to account for an estimated $50.9 billion of that in 2021. An innovative smoking alternative is set to snatch a slice of this billion-dollar industry. Capitalizing on the opportunity, TAAT(TM) Lifestyle & Wellness Ltd. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQB: TOBAF) (Profile) now offers the 1.3 billion smokers in the world a true smoking experience without the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine. The disruptive company is reshaping the smoking experience with the launch of TAAT(TM), a nicotine-free and tobacco-free cigarette. The launch of the product has recieved so much positive response both online and on the ground that the company already plans to expand beyond its initial retail program in Ohio. TAAT joins well-known tobacco and nicotine companies Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM), Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) and British American Tobacco Industries p.l.c. ADR (NYSE: BTI), as well as newcomer RLX Technology Inc. (NYSE: RLX), that are seeking to offer alternatives to traditional cigarettes.

Despite concerns connected with tobacco use, the global tobacco market reached an estimated $818 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8% from 2021 to 2028; the United States is forecast to account for an estimated $50.9 billion of that in 2021. An innovative smoking alternative is set to snatch a slice of this billion-dollar industry. Capitalizing on the opportunity, TAAT(TM) Lifestyle & Wellness Ltd. (CSE: TAAT) (OTCQB: TOBAF) (Profile) now offers the 1.3 billion smokers in the world a true smoking experience without the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine. The disruptive company is reshaping the smoking experience with the launch of TAAT(TM), a nicotine-free and tobacco-free cigarette. The launch of the product has recieved so much positive response both online and on the ground that the company already plans to expand beyond its initial retail program in Ohio. TAAT joins well-known tobacco and nicotine companies Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM), Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) and British American Tobacco Industries p.l.c. ADR (NYSE: BTI), as well as newcomer RLX Technology Inc. (NYSE: RLX), that are seeking to offer alternatives to traditional cigarettes.

Police in the United States have used clues and deductive reasoning to fight crime for more than 175 years. However, a sea change is occurring as big data and analytics technology bolster law enforcement efforts in what is known as “predictive policing.” This isn’t futurist precrime science fiction from “The Minority Report.” It’s algorithm-based machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) software that analyzes trends to give police an upper hand in crime prevention. Police departments worldwide are adopting predictive policing technology in a bid to identify not only perpetrators but victims also. Knightscope Inc. (Profile) and its lineup of autonomous security robots (“ASRs”) are leading the next generation of technology-based policing. The company’s data-collecting robots can use an array of built-in technology to provide police actionable intelligence to make smarter, faster and safer decisions. Seeing the demand, companies such as Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ: AXON), Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR), International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) and Everbridge Inc. (NASDAQ: EVBG) are also looking to carve out niches as police forces add predictive technologies and big data analytics to their arsenal to protect the public.

Indispensable for production of cell phones, wind turbines and electric vehicles, rare earth elements ("REEs") have rocketed in importance as demand for electronics and EVs continue to surge. In addition, rare earths play an essential role in national security and commercial applications. For cell phones to vibrate or EV motors to provide power, they need powerful magnets, and REEs are critical to the manufacture of these powerful permanent magnets. However, serious supply chain concerns have arisen with REEs, because China has a stranglehold on global supply. This is of particular concern due to the need for REEs by the military. The typical F-35 fighter contains nearly 1,000 pounds of rare earths. The United States used to be a large producer of REEs, but Chinese REE producers gradually drove U.S. mines out of business; China now controls more than 80% of world production and dominates nearly every stage of the global REE supply chain. Reliance on China jeopardizes U.S. national security, and growing demand has EV makers on edge. Initiatives are underway to rectify the imbalance, and Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) (Profile) is leading the effort to tilt the balance back to American shores. UUUU just announced a new rare earth production initiative spanning European and North American critical material supply chains. Already the country’s largest producer of uranium and a leading producer of vanadium (both designated as critical minerals), Energy Fuels has all the necessary technical know-how, licenses, production facilities, production capacity and resources to bring REEs production back to the United States. And this is all happening in 2021, while other initiatives are years away. Energy Fuels’ initiative will produce value-added rare earth products from natural monazite sands, a low-cost byproduct of heavy mineral sand operations that mainly produce zircon and titanium. There are heavy mineral sand operations in the United States, Australia, Africa and elsewhere, and they are all selling their monazite sands into China’s rare earth industry. This new non-Chinese supply chain can’t happen soon enough for automakers, which are rapidly turning to all-electric vehicle production. The world’s most recognized EV company, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), has shifted to a magnetic motor using neodymium in its Model 3 Long Range car, which adds to pressure on already strained supplies of a rare earth metals. General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) plans to end production of its fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and exclusively offer electric vehicles by 2035. Ford (NYSE: F) has pledged that all its cars sold in Europe will be electric by 2030 and is adding more EVs to its U.S. lineup. On a similar electric-powered path, Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) intends to electrify two-thirds of global automobile unit sales in 2030 and is planning a global electric vehicle platform for larger EVs across select global markets. These automakers represent just the tip of the iceberg for the coming demand for REEs.

Indispensable for production of cell phones, wind turbines and electric vehicles, rare earth elements ("REEs") have rocketed in importance as demand for electronics and EVs continue to surge. In addition, rare earths play an essential role in national security and commercial applications. For cell phones to vibrate or EV motors to provide power, they need powerful magnets, and REEs are critical to the manufacture of these powerful permanent magnets. However, serious supply chain concerns have arisen with REEs, because China has a stranglehold on global supply. This is of particular concern due to the need for REEs by the military. The typical F-35 fighter contains nearly 1,000 pounds of rare earths. The United States used to be a large producer of REEs, but Chinese REE producers gradually drove U.S. mines out of business; China now controls more than 80% of world production and dominates nearly every stage of the global REE supply chain. Reliance on China jeopardizes U.S. national security, and growing demand has EV makers on edge. Initiatives are underway to rectify the imbalance, and Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) (Profile) is leading the effort to tilt the balance back to American shores. UUUU just announced a new rare earth production initiative spanning European and North American critical material supply chains. Already the country’s largest producer of uranium and a leading producer of vanadium (both designated as critical minerals), Energy Fuels has all the necessary technical know-how, licenses, production facilities, production capacity and resources to bring REEs production back to the United States. And this is all happening in 2021, while other initiatives are years away. Energy Fuels’ initiative will produce value-added rare earth products from natural monazite sands, a low-cost byproduct of heavy mineral sand operations that mainly produce zircon and titanium. There are heavy mineral sand operations in the United States, Australia, Africa and elsewhere, and they are all selling their monazite sands into China’s rare earth industry. This new non-Chinese supply chain can’t happen soon enough for automakers, which are rapidly turning to all-electric vehicle production. The world’s most recognized EV company, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), has shifted to a magnetic motor using neodymium in its Model 3 Long Range car, which adds to pressure on already strained supplies of a rare earth metals. General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) plans to end production of its fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and exclusively offer electric vehicles by 2035. Ford (NYSE: F) has pledged that all its cars sold in Europe will be electric by 2030 and is adding more EVs to its U.S. lineup. On a similar electric-powered path, Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) intends to electrify two-thirds of global automobile unit sales in 2030 and is planning a global electric vehicle platform for larger EVs across select global markets. These automakers represent just the tip of the iceberg for the coming demand for REEs.

Police in the United States have used clues and deductive reasoning to fight crime for more than 175 years. However, a sea change is occurring as big data and analytics technology bolster law enforcement efforts in what is known as “predictive policing.” This isn’t futurist precrime science fiction from “The Minority Report.” It’s algorithm-based machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) software that analyzes trends to give police an upper hand in crime prevention. Police departments worldwide are adopting predictive policing technology in a bid to identify not only perpetrators but victims also. Knightscope Inc. (Profile) and its lineup of autonomous security robots (“ASRs”) are leading the next generation of technology-based policing. The company’s data-collecting robots can use an array of built-in technology to provide police actionable intelligence to make smarter, faster and safer decisions. Seeing the demand, companies such as Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ: AXON), Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR), International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) and Everbridge Inc. (NASDAQ: EVBG) are also looking to carve out niches as police forces add predictive technologies and big data analytics to their arsenal to protect the public.

Brain Scientific Inc. (OTCQB: BRSF), a neurology-focused medical device and software company, announced today it received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its next generation NeuroCap(TM) device. NeuroCap(TM) is an advanced Electroencephalogram (“EEG”) electrode array used to obtain rapid EEGs in routine clinical and research settings where recording of STAT EEGs is desired.

To view the full press release, visit https://nnw.fm/TgVmq

Brain Scientific Inc. (OTCQB: BRSF), a neurology-focused medical device and software company, announced today it received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its next generation NeuroCap(TM) device. NeuroCap(TM) is an advanced Electroencephalogram (“EEG”) electrode array used to obtain rapid EEGs in routine clinical and research settings where recording of STAT EEGs is desired.

To view the full press release, visit https://nnw.fm/TgVmq

The internet boom in the 1990s, with the genesis of application service providers (“ASP”), set the stage for the Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) model that now has found its way into nearly every industry. In a SaaS model, providers offer their technology over a set period of time, effectively locking in recurring revenue and a higher profit rather than selling the product outright. Since then, the “as-a-Service” model has been expanded into new verticals in a global economy now eager to accept the process. Because of large margins, Wall Street typically places high valuations on companies that employ the subscription “as-a-Service” model, especially when they have solved a problem and established strong market demand. Already disrupting the $500 billion security industry with its fully autonomous security robots, Knightscope Inc. (Profile) is establishing a new paradigm with its Machine-as-a-Service (“MaaS”) business model. The company already calls the federal government, public institutions and Fortune 1000 companies as clients as it employs a cost-effective subscription structure that is attractive to clients to augment traditional security systems and law enforcement functions. Others using similar business models that performed exceptionally well in 2020 include Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ: AXON), Intuitive Surgical Inc. (NASDAQ: ISRG), Peloton Interactive Inc. (NASDAQ: PTON) and Roku Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU).

The internet boom in the 1990s, with the genesis of application service providers (“ASP”), set the stage for the Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) model that now has found its way into nearly every industry. In a SaaS model, providers offer their technology over a set period of time, effectively locking in recurring revenue and a higher profit rather than selling the product outright. Since then, the “as-a-Service” model has been expanded into new verticals in a global economy now eager to accept the process. Because of large margins, Wall Street typically places high valuations on companies that employ the subscription “as-a-Service” model, especially when they have solved a problem and established strong market demand. Already disrupting the $500 billion security industry with its fully autonomous security robots, Knightscope Inc. (Profile) is establishing a new paradigm with its Machine-as-a-Service (“MaaS”) business model. The company already calls the federal government, public institutions and Fortune 1000 companies as clients as it employs a cost-effective subscription structure that is attractive to clients to augment traditional security systems and law enforcement functions. Others using similar business models that performed exceptionally well in 2020 include Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ: AXON), Intuitive Surgical Inc. (NASDAQ: ISRG), Peloton Interactive Inc. (NASDAQ: PTON) and Roku Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU).

Indispensable for production of cell phones, wind turbines and electric vehicles, rare earth elements ("REEs") have rocketed in importance as demand for electronics and EVs continue to surge. In addition, rare earths play an essential role in national security and commercial applications. For cell phones to vibrate or EV motors to provide power, they need powerful magnets, and REEs are critical to the manufacture of these powerful permanent magnets. However, serious supply chain concerns have arisen with REEs, because China has a stranglehold on global supply. This is of particular concern due to the need for REEs by the military. The typical F-35 fighter contains nearly 1,000 pounds of rare earths. The United States used to be a large producer of REEs, but Chinese REE producers gradually drove U.S. mines out of business; China now controls more than 80% of world production and dominates nearly every stage of the global REE supply chain. Reliance on China jeopardizes U.S. national security, and growing demand has EV makers on edge. Initiatives are underway to rectify the imbalance, and Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) (Profile) is leading the effort to tilt the balance back to American shores. UUUU just announced a new rare earth production initiative spanning European and North American critical material supply chains. Already the country’s largest producer of uranium and a leading producer of vanadium (both designated as critical minerals), Energy Fuels has all the necessary technical know-how, licenses, production facilities, production capacity and resources to bring REEs production back to the United States. And this is all happening in 2021, while other initiatives are years away. Energy Fuels’ initiative will produce value-added rare earth products from natural monazite sands, a low-cost byproduct of heavy mineral sand operations that mainly produce zircon and titanium. There are heavy mineral sand operations in the United States, Australia, Africa and elsewhere, and they are all selling their monazite sands into China’s rare earth industry. This new non-Chinese supply chain can’t happen soon enough for automakers, which are rapidly turning to all-electric vehicle production. The world’s most recognized EV company, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), has shifted to a magnetic motor using neodymium in its Model 3 Long Range car, which adds to pressure on already strained supplies of a rare earth metals. General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) plans to end production of its fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and exclusively offer electric vehicles by 2035. Ford (NYSE: F) has pledged that all its cars sold in Europe will be electric by 2030 and is adding more EVs to its U.S. lineup. On a similar electric-powered path, Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) intends to electrify two-thirds of global automobile unit sales in 2030 and is planning a global electric vehicle platform for larger EVs across select global markets. These automakers represent just the tip of the iceberg for the coming demand for REEs.