AI-Media and Speechmatics Announce Strategic Partnership to Evolve Captioning and Language Services Technologies

AI-Media and Speechmatics Partnership

AI-Media and Speechmatics today announce a strategic expansion of their multi-year partnership to deliver new and better AI-driven products to market.

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Sept. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AI-Media – the global leader in audiovisual encoding technology and AI-driven transcription and translation solutions, and Speechmatics – the market leader in speech recognition technology, today announce a strategic expansion of their multi-year partnership to deliver new and better AI-driven products to market.

This partnership brings together Speechmatics’ leading speech-to-text technology and AI-Media’s unique iCap-based encoding appliances and secure network that seamlessly embeds the technology within customers’ existing workflows and automation systems.

By integrating these capabilities, AI-Media’s LEXI 3.0 has been the first AI product to overtake the quality of human-in-the-loop alternatives in the live video market – at a fraction of the cost.

Tony Abrahams, CEO of AI-Media, shared his thoughts on the partnership:

“Our data derived from the performance of LEXI 3.0 has shown Speechmatics to be one of our most trusted engines over the last two years, consistently delivering accurate results that continue to improve. This partnership brings our two companies even closer as we co-develop and ideate innovative solutions for the future of captioning and translation.

Together, we will create solutions that are accurate, reliable and adaptable to the diverse needs of our global clientele.

This collaboration deepens the partnership that has seen AI-Media’s iCap encoding ecosystem emerge as the leading choice of broadcasters and government customers around the world looking to get the best possible performance from these game changing AI technologies from Speechmatics.”

By leveraging Speechmatics’ advanced speech recognition engine and AI-Media’s cutting-edge workflow and encoding technologies, this partnership addresses the diverse and complex needs of various industries, from broadcasting to government and enterprise sectors.

The partnership broadens Speechmatics’ reach by integrating its core technology into AI-Media’s LEXI 3.0 product.

Extending the success of LEXI 3.0 into the European broadcast market is a near term objective – Speechmatics’ emerging multilingual capabilities align perfectly with AI-Media’s growth plans.

A Vision for the Future

This new partnership elevates AI-Media to become Speechmatics’ largest live captioning market partner, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration.

“Speechmatics has become the leading Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) provider within broadcast because of our high accuracy and low latency across multiple languages, both live and offline. AI-Media has successfully integrated our technology into their market leading broadcast infrastructure to achieve impressive growth in their chosen markets, and this strategic partnership brings closer collaboration to allow for more rapid innovation and agility. As a result, global broadcasters will continue to get the best captioning service on the market and our combined strength in AI driven captioning can be utilised in a broader array of verticals,” said Katy Wigdahl, CEO of Speechmatics.

Together, AI-Media and Speechmatics are committed to integrating best-in-class technologies to set new industry standards. This collaboration is not just a technical integration but a partnership of vision and innovation, aimed at continuously evolving and adapting to the dynamic demands of the global language services market.

Visit AI-Media at IBC 2024

Experience AI-Media’s latest innovations at IBC 2024 and discover why broadcasters and organisations worldwide trust AI-Media and LEXI to transform their captioning workflows. To book a 1:1 meeting click HERE. For more information, visit ai-media.tv.

About AI-Media

Founded in Australia in 2003, AI-Media is a pioneering technology company specialising in AI language and captioning workflow solutions.

As a global leader, AI-Media provides high-quality AI-powered live and recorded captioning and translation technology and solutions to a diverse range of customers and markets worldwide.

For the first time in February 2024, AI-Media unveiled groundbreaking data showcasing the superiority of its AI captioning product, LEXI, over traditional more expensive human workflows in the live video market.

With deep industry experience and sophisticated AI technology to create solutions which streamline and simplify processes, AI-Media empowers leading broadcasters, enterprises and government agencies globally to ensure seamless accessibility and inclusivity of their content.

AI-Media (ASX: AIM) commenced trading on the ASX on 15 September 2020.

Visit Speechmatics at IBC 2024

Join Speechmatics at IBC 2024 and explore the latest advancements in Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology. Discover why leading broadcasters and organizations like AI Media trust Speechmatics for real-time, accurate, and scalable ASR solutions. To schedule a 1:1 meeting, click HERE. For more information, visit speechmatics.com

About Speechmatics

Speechmatics is a global leader in Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology, trusted by the biggest brands in the media and broadcasting industry. Our cutting-edge ASR solutions deliver the lowest latency and highest accuracy in the market, providing broadcasters with the fastest, most reliable real-time transcription services available.

Pioneering Innovation in ASR: We continuously push the boundaries of ASR technology to ensure our customers stay ahead. Our solutions not only capture spoken words but also recognize audio events such as laughter, applause, and music, setting us apart from the competition.

We’re excited to introduce Ursa 2, our latest breakthrough mode, offering an 18% reduction in errors across 50 languages, including enhanced support for Arabic dialects, Irish, and Maltese—bringing our language coverage to all 24 official EU languages. With latency reduced to under 1 second, Ursa 2 enhances real-time transcription at lightning-fast speed without compromising accuracy.

For broadcasters and organizations aiming for precision and speed in their captioning workflows, Speechmatics is the go-to choice.

Media Contact: Fiona Habben – Fiona.habben@ai-media.tv

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5929ce95-d0a8-4632-a788-8e90065db860

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9229707

Zenas BioPharma Announces Pricing of Upsized Initial Public Offering

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zenas BioPharma, Inc. (“Zenas”), (Nasdaq: ZBIO) a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company committed to being a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative immunology-based therapies, today announced the pricing of its upsized initial public offering of 13,235,294 shares of its common stock at an initial public offering price of $17.00 per share. All of the shares are being offered by Zenas. The gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $225.0 million. Zenas’ common stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on September 13, 2024 under the ticker symbol “ZBIO”. The offering is expected to close on September 16, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. In addition, Zenas has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,985,294 shares of common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

Morgan Stanley, Jefferies, Citigroup, and Guggenheim Securities are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering.

Registration statements relating to the shares being sold in the offering have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and became effective on September 12, 2024. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, or by email at prospectus@morganstanley.com; and from Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (877) 821-7388, or by email at Prospectus_Department@Jefferies.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Zenas BioPharma, Inc.

Zenas is a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative immunology-based therapies for patients in need. Our core business strategy combines our experienced leadership team with a disciplined product candidate acquisition approach to identify, acquire and develop product candidates globally that we believe can provide superior clinical benefits to patients living with autoimmune diseases. Zenas’ lead product candidate, obexelimab, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to bind both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are broadly present across B cell lineage, to inhibit the activity of cells that are implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, including statements about the completion, timing and size of the initial public offering and the commencement of trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Each forward-looking statement is subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions and no assurance can be given that the initial public offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described or at all. Completion of the proposed initial public offering and the terms thereof are subject to numerous factors, many of which are beyond the control of Zenas, including, without limitation, market conditions, failure of customary closing conditions and the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus that forms a part of the registration statement, in the form last filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Zenas undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:
Matthew Osborne
Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Matt.osborne@zenasbio.com

Media Contact:
Argot Partners
Zenas@argotpartners.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9230259

EU, UN celebrate completion of Key Project to Support Local Authorities in Lebanon

The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), celebrated the successful conclusion of the Municipal Empowerment and Resilience Project (MERP). Funded by more than US$16 million from the EU, the project has helped local authorities in Lebanon strengthen their services and resilience, especially in response to the Syrian crisis and Lebanon’s economic struggles.

The event, held under the patronage of H.E. Judge Bassam Mawlawi, Minister of Interior and Municipalities, represented by Ms. Faten Abou Hassan, Director General of Local Administrations and Councils, gathered representatives from municipalities, national institutions, NGOs, and policymakers. The conference focused on the challenges faced by local authorities and explored ways to improve their operations and support.

Over the past five years, MERP has been working to improve the capacities of local authorities in Lebanon. The project helpe
d municipalities engage in community-based planning, deliver better services, and support local economic development. MERP also worked closely with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities to strengthen the environment for local governance.

In her remarks, Ms. Faten Abou Hassan said: ‘Lebanese municipalities have been hit hard by the economic crisis, with their revenues shrinking and their ability to serve communities under pressure. Despite these difficulties, our municipalities have shown great resilience, but they need continued support to function effectively. I call on donors to provide the assistance needed to overcome the challenges and help municipalities better serve their people.’

Ms. Blerta Aliko, UNDP’s Resident Representative, stated: “The Municipal Empowerment and Resilience Project has strengthened local authorities in Lebanon, helping both host communities and displaced populations. We look forward to building on this foundation and continuing our support for local authorities.”

Ms. Tain
a Christiansen, Head of UN-Habitat in Lebanon, added: “Through MERP, we have equipped local authorities with tools for better planning and service delivery. Our goal has been to improve local governance in Lebanon, and we hope to continue these efforts.”

Mr. Samy Saadi, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Lebanon, emphasized the EU’s commitment: “The EU believes in the important role of local authorities in improving people’s lives, from providing essential services to driving economic development. Through MERP, we have supported municipalities in responding to their communities’ needs, but it is now up to Lebanese authorities to continue empowering their municipalities.”

Following these opening remarks, MERP Project Manager, Ms. Rana El Khawand, gave a presentation highlighting the project’s key achievements. The event concluded with a panel discussion that brought together experts, policymakers, and development partners to discuss opportunities for enhancing local governance and economic development in Le
banon.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Six civilians killed, others wounded in Israeli shelling of central and southern Gaza

Six civilians were killed and others were injured on Friday morning in an Israeli shelling of the central and southern Gaza Strip.

WAFA correspondent said that the bodies of five civilians were recovered following an Israeli artillery shelling of the Bardweel family home in the al-Mawasi area in the city of Rafah, in the southern Strip.

A civilian was also killed and others were injured in an Israeli bombing that targeted a house belonging to the Aqel family on 20th Street Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of the Strip.

The occupation’s aggression on the Gaza Strip, by land, sea and air, since October 7, 2023, has so far resulted in the killing of 41,118 civilians, mostly children and women, and the injury of 95,125 others.

Thousands of victims remain missing; either buried under the rubble or scattered on the roads, as rescue teams face tremendous difficulties in reaching them due to the continued Israeli attacks and the massive amount of debris.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

Oil prices in Lebanon today

Oil prices have dropped in Lebanon on Friday with 95 and 98 octane gasoline decreasing by LBP 29,000 and diesel by LBP 16,000, while the price of gas cylinders remained stable. The new prices are as follows:

– 95 Octane Gasoline: LBP 1,430,000

– 98 Octane Gasoline: LBP 1,470,000

– Diesel: LBP 1,337,000

– Gas: LBP 917,000

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

UN Secretary-General condemns deadly Israeli airstrikes on school in Gaza

This incident raises the number of UNRWA staff killed in this conflict to 220.

The United Nations Secretary-General stressed in a statement that this incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.

The continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable, he said. ‘Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on must be protected and the essential needs of civilians met.’–WAFA

Source: National news agency – Lebanon