The MiningNewsWire Podcast

Big pharma and life science companies are making big news these days. The drug-development space is seeing strong investor interest as these companies make breakthrough advancements that address vast unmet medical needs. Strategic M&A moves are adding spice to the gumbo for investors as pioneering research remains focused on providing life-changing treatments for those suffering from a myriad of disorders. One of the largest and trickiest medical disorders of mankind may be on the cusp of more effective treatment. Depression is often kept in the dark and not talked about, but it is estimated that more than 17 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2019 alone, while one out of every four people in the world struggle with a diagnosable mental disorder. Life sciences company Cybin Inc. (Cybin Profile) is at the vanguard of new therapeutic protocols that target these disorders. Cybin is intent on developing psychedelic therapeutics along with unique delivery mechanisms that target depression as well as other psychiatric and neurological conditions. The company could benefit from two game-changing announcements made in the past few days: the company just completed its previously announced reverse takeover and a groundbreaking study published in JAMA Psychiatry reports that in a recent study a treatment featuring psilocybin actually worked better than typical antidepressant medications. Other drug-development companies are experiencing similar milestone moments. Last month Praxis Precision Medicines Inc. (NASDAQ: PRAX) closed on its upsized initial public offering of 11,500,000 shares of common stock, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to Praxis of $218.5 million. Earlier this year, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) completed a transformative acquisition of Allergan. Less than a year ago, Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) realized more than $200 million when it closed on its public offering. And this summer Relmada Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: RLMD) uplisted to trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Pharmaceutical companies invest enormous amounts of time and money on the research and development of new drugs, typically years in the making and costing millions of dollars. Only occasionally is a new drug developed that’s approved and generates more than $1 billion per year in sales, a benchmark in the industry commonly called a “blockbuster.” Blockbusters are scarce, but the proverbial quest for blockbuster drugs continues unabated because of vast unmet medical needs and because blockbuster therapeutics can be worth tens of billions of dollars during their patent-protected lives. Little wonder that pharmaceutical giants often buy up promising new drugs, some even in their infancy, not just to fill their pipeline or mesh with current R&D projects but also to bank on a bonanza of prospective revenues that could exceed $100 billion. With so much at stake, it only makes sense to pay special attention to scientists who have previously developed and delivered these blockbusters. With this in mind, expectations are high for 180 Life Sciences Corp. (180 Profile) since the founders have significant expertise in developing new therapeutics that were sold to big pharma for billions. They are renowned for development of some of the largest-selling drugs to ever come to market. Now they aim to do it again with a pipeline of drug candidates in sequential stages of development that address large untapped markets. The founding scientists at 180 Life Sciences discovered the anti-TNF drug class that led to Remicade, the fourth all-time best-selling drug in the world.

Pharmaceutical companies invest enormous amounts of time and money on the research and development of new drugs, typically years in the making and costing millions of dollars. Only occasionally is a new drug developed that’s approved and generates more than $1 billion per year in sales, a benchmark in the industry commonly called a “blockbuster.” Blockbusters are scarce, but the proverbial quest for blockbuster drugs continues unabated because of vast unmet medical needs and because blockbuster therapeutics can be worth tens of billions of dollars during their patent-protected lives. Little wonder that pharmaceutical giants often buy up promising new drugs, some even in their infancy, not just to fill their pipeline or mesh with current R&D projects but also to bank on a bonanza of prospective revenues that could exceed $100 billion. With so much at stake, it only makes sense to pay special attention to scientists who have previously developed and delivered these blockbusters. With this in mind, expectations are high for 180 Life Sciences Corp. (180 Profile) since the founders have significant expertise in developing new therapeutics that were sold to big pharma for billions. They are renowned for development of some of the largest-selling drugs to ever come to market. Now they aim to do it again with a pipeline of drug candidates in sequential stages of development that address large untapped markets. The founding scientists at 180 Life Sciences discovered the anti-TNF drug class that led to Remicade, the fourth all-time best-selling drug in the world.

Compelling evidence of the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs appears in multiple scientific studies. Several clinical trials are underway in the United States and worldwide to investigate the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, the active component in the fungi known colloquially as "magic mushrooms." There is new hope for treating such debilitating disorders as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. With more than $6.8 billion on the line by 2027, companies at the vanguard of the psychedelic therapeutic drug market could reap enormous benefits in the coming years. Some of these companies, such as Cybin Corp. (Cybin Profile), which focuses on drug development and unique delivery mechanisms, are targeting areas that have been particularly underserved in the past decade. Those areas encompass life-disrupting psychiatric and neurological conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), addictions, and other mental illnesses. A pioneer in the psychedelic sector, CYBIN is working toward becoming the first life sciences company to bring a psilocybin drug targeting MDD to market. A successful outcome could completely upend treatment protocols. The psychedelic space’s promise is perhaps best illustrated by the sector’s largest-ever private financing round of $80 million for Compass Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS), the first psychedelic company to IPO on the NASDAQ. Not to be outdone, Mind Medicine Inc. (OTC: MMEDF) is following suit; the company applied for NASDAQ uplisting last month. In addition, Field Trip Health Ltd. (CSE: FTRP) started trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) earlier this month.

The year 2020 has already seen 127 SPAC IPOs, which have collectively raised over $48.5 billion in proceeds — more than the past ten years combined. A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) is essentially a blank-check company formed to raise capital through an IPO with the sole intent of buying or merging with another operating company. SPACs have evolved to become an expedited and cost-effective way of doing an M&A deal and have been utilized by multiple Wall Street heavyweights. Going public via a SPAC enables a company to get a deal done in weeks instead of months, and the approach is proving to be an especially attractive vehicle for biotech companies by providing ready access to capital and much greater public visibility. A successful biotech SPAC hinges on shrewd management and a target company that offers a strong risk/reward proposition, is focused on unmet medical needs, and has proven scientific and clinical leadership. After  evaluating over 50 companies to meet these criteria for success, KBL Merger Corp. IV (NASDAQ: KBLM) entered into a definitive merger agreement with 180 Life Sciences Corp. (180 Profile), which is expected to close within one month. 180 Life Sciences represents a new business model in biotech. The company is founded and run by four world-renowned scientists and entrepreneurs who invested their own money to start the company. Of considerable note: the founders own the majority of the equity in 180 Life Sciences and aren’t selling any in this transaction. Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX) received proceeds of around $250 million in a biotech SPAC business combination. Immunovant Inc. (NASDAQ: IMVT), a biopharmaceutical company, went public via a SPAC business merger, and four months later, the company was able to raise $134 million in a new public offering. AdaptHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: AHCO), the third-largest distributor of home medical equipment in the United States, also went public via a SPAC business merger in July and has appreciated 50% since. After raising $1.1 billion, a business combination is expected this month between Churchill Capital Corp III (NYSE: CCXX) and MultiPlan Inc., a market leader in health-care cost-management solutions. It’s already been a heck of a year for SPACs, and some say the best is yet to come.

Compelling evidence of the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs appears in multiple scientific studies. Several clinical trials are underway in the United States and worldwide to investigate the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, the active component in the fungi known colloquially as "magic mushrooms." There is new hope for treating such debilitating disorders as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. With more than $6.8 billion on the line by 2027, companies at the vanguard of the psychedelic therapeutic drug market could reap enormous benefits in the coming years. Some of these companies, such as Cybin Corp. (Cybin Profile), which focuses on drug development and unique delivery mechanisms, are targeting areas that have been particularly underserved in the past decade. Those areas encompass life-disrupting psychiatric and neurological conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), addictions, and other mental illnesses. A pioneer in the psychedelic sector, CYBIN is working toward becoming the first life sciences company to bring a psilocybin drug targeting MDD to market. A successful outcome could completely upend treatment protocols. The psychedelic space’s promise is perhaps best illustrated by the sector’s largest-ever private financing round of $80 million for Compass Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS), the first psychedelic company to IPO on the NASDAQ. Not to be outdone, Mind Medicine Inc. (OTC: MMEDF) is following suit; the company applied for NASDAQ uplisting last month. In addition, Field Trip Health Ltd. (CSE: FTRP) started trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) earlier this month.

The year 2020 has already seen 127 SPAC IPOs, which have collectively raised over $48.5 billion in proceeds — more than the past ten years combined. A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) is essentially a blank-check company formed to raise capital through an IPO with the sole intent of buying or merging with another operating company. SPACs have evolved to become an expedited and cost-effective way of doing an M&A deal and have been utilized by multiple Wall Street heavyweights. Going public via a SPAC enables a company to get a deal done in weeks instead of months, and the approach is proving to be an especially attractive vehicle for biotech companies by providing ready access to capital and much greater public visibility. A successful biotech SPAC hinges on shrewd management and a target company that offers a strong risk/reward proposition, is focused on unmet medical needs, and has proven scientific and clinical leadership. After  evaluating over 50 companies to meet these criteria for success, KBL Merger Corp. IV (NASDAQ: KBLM) entered into a definitive merger agreement with 180 Life Sciences Corp. (180 Profile), which is expected to close within one month. 180 Life Sciences represents a new business model in biotech. The company is founded and run by four world-renowned scientists and entrepreneurs who invested their own money to start the company. Of considerable note: the founders own the majority of the equity in 180 Life Sciences and aren’t selling any in this transaction. Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX) received proceeds of around $250 million in a biotech SPAC business combination. Immunovant Inc. (NASDAQ: IMVT), a biopharmaceutical company, went public via a SPAC business merger, and four months later, the company was able to raise $134 million in a new public offering. AdaptHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: AHCO), the third-largest distributor of home medical equipment in the United States, also went public via a SPAC business merger in July and has appreciated 50% since. After raising $1.1 billion, a business combination is expected this month between Churchill Capital Corp III (NYSE: CCXX) and MultiPlan Inc., a market leader in health-care cost-management solutions. It’s already been a heck of a year for SPACs, and some say the best is yet to come.

Inflammation typically occurs in the body as a natural response to threats such as infection or injury, but chronic inflammation can cause severe damage and even death. Inflammation is a well-known symptom of multiple infectious diseases. However, multidiscipline research strongly suggests that inflammation is also closely linked with a broad range of noninfectious diseases. The critical aspects of the interplay between inflammation and disease may well be the key to development of a new generation of drugs to treat previously untreatable diseases, sparking a flurry of biotech research and development in the field. At the vanguard of this new drug development, 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: KBLM) is driving groundbreaking studies in clinical programs aimed at developing novel therapeutics that address distinct areas of inflammation, finally offering hope for vast unmet medical needs in inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, pain and more. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) acquired the anti-inflammatory drug Enbrel for $4.8 billion in 2018 and, in conjunction with AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) and others, is testing anti-inflammatory drugs in a joint COVID-19 study. Actemra, an anti-inflammatory arthritis drug from Roche Holding Ltd. (OTCQX: RHHBY) previously failed to meet its primary endpoint in earlier COVID trials. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) now owns Remicade, which was developed by the current management of 180 Life Sciences, the first tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) inhibitor and one of the top anti-inflammatory drugs in the world with over $5 billion in sales in 2019 alone.

Inflammation typically occurs in the body as a natural response to threats such as infection or injury, but chronic inflammation can cause severe damage and even death. Inflammation is a well-known symptom of multiple infectious diseases. However, multidiscipline research strongly suggests that inflammation is also closely linked with a broad range of noninfectious diseases. The critical aspects of the interplay between inflammation and disease may well be the key to development of a new generation of drugs to treat previously untreatable diseases, sparking a flurry of biotech research and development in the field. At the vanguard of this new drug development, 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: KBLM) is driving groundbreaking studies in clinical programs aimed at developing novel therapeutics that address distinct areas of inflammation, finally offering hope for vast unmet medical needs in inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, pain and more. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) acquired the anti-inflammatory drug Enbrel for $4.8 billion in 2018 and, in conjunction with AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) and others, is testing anti-inflammatory drugs in a joint COVID-19 study. Actemra, an anti-inflammatory arthritis drug from Roche Holding Ltd. (OTCQX: RHHBY) previously failed to meet its primary endpoint in earlier COVID trials. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) now owns Remicade, which was developed by the current management of 180 Life Sciences, the first tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) inhibitor and one of the top anti-inflammatory drugs in the world with over $5 billion in sales in 2019 alone.

Approximately 1,300 people die every day as a result of smoking, and more than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. These alarming numbers aren’t going unnoticed, and companies with expertise in the space are seizing the opportunity to provide solutions designed to help smokers kick the habit. One of those companies, Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc. (OTCQB: KAVL), has just acquired a patent covering the creation of all synthetic nicotine smoking cessation and synthetic nicotine addiction therapy products; the company is also creating a subsidiary that will own the patent and develop all related products. The maker of Nicorette(R), GlaxoSmithKline PLC (NYSE: GSK) creates innovative nicotine replacement therapies and smoking cessation products, including the Nicorette(R) product line. Perrigo Company PLC (NYSE: PRGO) offers a healthy lifestyle product portfolio that includes a full range of oral nicotine products designed to help smokers kick the habit or cut down on tobacco use. Altria Group (NYSE: MO) has created QuitAssist(R), an online resource to help smokers who are trying to quit be more successful. And Reynolds American Inc., owned by British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE: BTI), has a Tobacco Harm Reduction (“THR”) campaign designed to reduce the risks faced by adult tobacco smokers by providing them with accurate information tobacco and smoking.

Approximately 1,300 people die every day as a result of smoking, and more than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. These alarming numbers aren’t going unnoticed, and companies with expertise in the space are seizing the opportunity to provide solutions designed to help smokers kick the habit. One of those companies, Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc. (OTCQB: KAVL), has just acquired a patent covering the creation of all synthetic nicotine smoking cessation and synthetic nicotine addiction therapy products; the company is also creating a subsidiary that will own the patent and develop all related products. The maker of Nicorette(R), GlaxoSmithKline PLC (NYSE: GSK) creates innovative nicotine replacement therapies and smoking cessation products, including the Nicorette(R) product line. Perrigo Company PLC (NYSE: PRGO) offers a healthy lifestyle product portfolio that includes a full range of oral nicotine products designed to help smokers kick the habit or cut down on tobacco use. Altria Group (NYSE: MO) has created QuitAssist(R), an online resource to help smokers who are trying to quit be more successful. And Reynolds American Inc., owned by British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE: BTI), has a Tobacco Harm Reduction (“THR”) campaign designed to reduce the risks faced by adult tobacco smokers by providing them with accurate information tobacco and smoking.

Soda sales over the past 15 years have fallen significantly, leaving major beverage brands looking for alternative ways to expand their portfolios to capture a portion of the various new craft beverages that consumers drink each day. Many of these large companies are opting to go the M&A route, recognizing the significant impact that smaller specialty brands in the space might have on their existing offerings. Companies such as The Alkaline Water Company (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER), one of the fastest-growing enhanced water companies in the industry, could be an attractive option. In the meantime, Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. (NYSE: KDP) recently announced the launch of Brew the Love(R) Collaborations, an offering from Keurig, one of its premier brands, while Celsius Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH), maker of the leading global fitness drink, Celsuis(R), has unveiled Jackfruit, its latest addition to a diverse lineup of flavors. Another new beverage offering comes from Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), which has unveiled its first zero alcohol brew, Budweiser Zero. And PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) is being creative with its approach to new offerings — the company has teamed up with Red Lobster to create new ways to enjoy seafood alongside the taste and variety of PepsiCo products.

Soda sales over the past 15 years have fallen significantly, leaving major beverage brands looking for alternative ways to expand their portfolios to capture a portion of the various new craft beverages that consumers drink each day. Many of these large companies are opting to go the M&A route, recognizing the significant impact that smaller specialty brands in the space might have on their existing offerings. Companies such as The Alkaline Water Company (NASDAQ: WTER) (CSE: WTER), one of the fastest-growing enhanced water companies in the industry, could be an attractive option. In the meantime, Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. (NYSE: KDP) recently announced the launch of Brew the Love(R) Collaborations, an offering from Keurig, one of its premier brands, while Celsius Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH), maker of the leading global fitness drink, Celsuis(R), has unveiled Jackfruit, its latest addition to a diverse lineup of flavors. Another new beverage offering comes from Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), which has unveiled its first zero alcohol brew, Budweiser Zero. And PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) is being creative with its approach to new offerings — the company has teamed up with Red Lobster to create new ways to enjoy seafood alongside the taste and variety of PepsiCo products.

With government spending skyrocketing and the value of the U.S. dollar sinking, savvy investors are turning to gold, which surpassed $2,000 an ounce in August. Experts predict that the precious metal could go much higher in light of depressed bond yields, inflation fears, and the reverberations of COVID-19 on the global economy. Gold’s 32% rally this year has made it “one of the world’s best-performing mainstream assets,” as reported in a Financial Times article. Given global economic conditions and surging demand, savvy mining resource companies are making strategic moves to leverage their expertise and position themselves to reap long-term benefits from the trend. In just the past six months, GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: ATUMF) has entered into agreements to acquire seven impressive gold projects in the highly productive Maricunga Gold Belt of Chile. Gold Fields Limited (NYSE: GFI) (JSE: GFI) has announced an investment of $860 million to process its recently discovered 5 millon ounce discovery at Salares Norte. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE: KGC) (TSX: K) released the promising results of a prefeasibility study for its Lobo-Marte project in Chile. Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: GOLD) (TSX: ABX) has strengthened its exploration team with the addition of eminent geologists. And Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) (TSX: NGT) is ramping up operations in its Peñasquito, Mexico, property following the government’s designation of mining as an essential activity.

With government spending skyrocketing and the value of the U.S. dollar sinking, savvy investors are turning to gold, which surpassed $2,000 an ounce in August. Experts predict that the precious metal could go much higher in light of depressed bond yields, inflation fears, and the reverberations of COVID-19 on the global economy. Gold’s 32% rally this year has made it “one of the world’s best-performing mainstream assets,” as reported in a Financial Times article. Given global economic conditions and surging demand, savvy mining resource companies are making strategic moves to leverage their expertise and position themselves to reap long-term benefits from the trend. In just the past six months, GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: ATUMF) has entered into agreements to acquire seven impressive gold projects in the highly productive Maricunga Gold Belt of Chile. Gold Fields Limited (NYSE: GFI) (JSE: GFI) has announced an investment of $860 million to process its recently discovered 5 millon ounce discovery at Salares Norte. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE: KGC) (TSX: K) released the promising results of a prefeasibility study for its Lobo-Marte project in Chile. Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: GOLD) (TSX: ABX) has strengthened its exploration team with the addition of eminent geologists. And Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) (TSX: NGT) is ramping up operations in its Peñasquito, Mexico, property following the government’s designation of mining as an essential activity.

With the global e-cigarette and vape market expected to exceed $59 billion by 2027, the vaping industry appears to have weathered a cloud of scrutiny and is emerging better regulated and even stronger. Much of that growth stems from an increasing awareness of the advantages of consuming smokeless and ashless nicotine, backed up with growing studies. Although larger tobacco companies control a large share of the global e-cigarette and vape market, smaller elite players such as Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc. (OTCQB: KAVL) (KAVL Profile) are making their presence felt in a space where innovation and compliance are essential factors for success. Kaival Brands is the sole distributor of Bidi(TM) Stick, an innovative nicotine vaping device designed to provide adult smokers with a premium vaping experience. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) has launched a next-generation, e-vapor product platform called IQOS MESH. Imperial Brands (OTCQX: IMBBY) is focusing on providing a portfolio of high-quality, next-generation products that are potentially less harmful than combustible cigarettes, including its pioneering vapor brand, blu. British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE: BTI) has welcomed the FDA guidance as a further step toward a sustainable regulatory environment for the U.S. vapor market. And Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB) has focused on operating its vaping business at smaller but still profitable levels.

With the global e-cigarette and vape market expected to exceed $59 billion by 2027, the vaping industry appears to have weathered a cloud of scrutiny and is emerging better regulated and even stronger. Much of that growth stems from an increasing awareness of the advantages of consuming smokeless and ashless nicotine, backed up with growing studies. Although larger tobacco companies control a large share of the global e-cigarette and vape market, smaller elite players such as Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc. (OTCQB: KAVL) (KAVL Profile) are making their presence felt in a space where innovation and compliance are essential factors for success. Kaival Brands is the sole distributor of Bidi(TM) Stick, an innovative nicotine vaping device designed to provide adult smokers with a premium vaping experience. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) has launched a next-generation, e-vapor product platform called IQOS MESH. Imperial Brands (OTCQX: IMBBY) is focusing on providing a portfolio of high-quality, next-generation products that are potentially less harmful than combustible cigarettes, including its pioneering vapor brand, blu. British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE: BTI) has welcomed the FDA guidance as a further step toward a sustainable regulatory environment for the U.S. vapor market. And Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB) has focused on operating its vaping business at smaller but still profitable levels.

Full Hearing Video.

InvestorBrandNetwork providing the financial data for The House Committee on Financial Services-Thursday, September 17, 2020 @ 12:00 noon  EST for Jacob S. Frenkel (Frenkel segment starting at 43:30).

Virtual Hearing - Insider Trading and Stock Option Grants: An Examination of Corporate Integrity in the Covid-19 Pandemic

Additional information can be found at:

·       House Calendar

·       IBN Congressional Exhibit

·       House Documents by Event

Since 2013, the sale of electric vehicles (EV) in the United States has grown by an average of 25% a year (http://nnw.fm/B2GRb), a stunning figure when compared to the anemic 1.4% overall growth of the US auto market over the same interim (http://nnw.fm/hwjS2). Despite the stellar growth rate, EV sales only account for a miniscule 2% share of the US automobile market but are projected to exceed 20% of annual vehicle sales by 2030. With a tenfold increase in market share expected over the next decade, market penetration has just begun, and there’s clearly still enormous upside. In a bold foray into the electric vehicle market, Net Element Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) (NETE Profile) recently announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement to merge with Mullen Technologies Inc., a Southern  California-based EV company. Mullen currently has seven retail locations in California, one in Arizona, and expects to launch a luxury sports car in the first half of 2021. With leading EV brands such as Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ: NKLA), NIO Inc (NYSE: NIO) and Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WKHS) driving consumer interest within the segment, Net Element looks to  capitalize on the growing fervor for high-quality electric vehicles and drive shareholder value. One look at the sporty,  luxurious Dragonfly K50 indicates that NETE is on the right path.

To view the full editorial, visit http://nnw.fm/RzuHy

Since 2013, the sale of electric vehicles (EV) in the United States has grown by an average of 25% a year (http://nnw.fm/B2GRb), a stunning figure when compared to the anemic 1.4% overall growth of the US auto market over the same interim (http://nnw.fm/hwjS2). Despite the stellar growth rate, EV sales only account for a miniscule 2% share of the US automobile market but are projected to exceed 20% of annual vehicle sales by 2030. With a tenfold increase in market share expected over the next decade, market penetration has just begun, and there’s clearly still enormous upside. In a bold foray into the electric vehicle market, Net Element Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) (NETE Profile) recently announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement to merge with Mullen Technologies Inc., a Southern  California-based EV company. Mullen currently has seven retail locations in California, one in Arizona, and expects to launch a luxury sports car in the first half of 2021. With leading EV brands such as Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ: NKLA), NIO Inc (NYSE: NIO) and Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WKHS) driving consumer interest within the segment, Net Element looks to  capitalize on the growing fervor for high-quality electric vehicles and drive shareholder value. One look at the sporty,  luxurious Dragonfly K50 indicates that NETE is on the right path.

To view the full editorial, visit http://nnw.fm/RzuHy