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5 things I’ve learnt helping startups with Fundraising

Tom Leigh
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5 things I’ve learnt helping startups with Fundraising

By Tom Leigh, Founder of Tommy Popcorn

Fundraising is one of the hardest parts of building a startup. 

You can have the best idea in the world, but without capital, you’re stuck.

I’ve spent the past few years consulting companies on securing investment. From supporting Prograd in their seed raise to closing raises for Arcube and Beauty Shelf, I’m now in the middle of raising funds for my own venture, Tommy Popcorn, which is launching in the US this year.

It’s one thing to advise founders on how to approach investors, structure a round and position their story. It’s another to sit on the other side of the table, pitching your own dream. 

Here are five things I’ve learnt along the way.

1. Investors buy into people as much as numbers

The first deck you ever show might be full of projections, traction slides and market sizing graphs. But time and again, I’ve seen investors make decisions based on their confidence in the founding team. 

And they don’t just want to see smart people in front of them. They want to see drive. I’ve also noticed that startups that bootstrap in the early stages tend to be more appealing as the founders themselves have also taken on risk.

In short: A strong founding narrative, who you are, why you’re doing this, and what makes you one to back, is just as powerful as a polished spreadsheet.

2. Clarity wins over complexity

In finance, there’s a temptation to show every metric possible. But complexity rarely convinces. In fact, too often I’ve seen the vision get lost in the numbers.

The best fundraising decks are simple, clear and defensible. When helping Prograd, for example, I suggested that we strip everything back to three core messages: the size of the problem, their solution, and the path to scale. This led us to successfully pitch to a number of investors, eventually closing the round together.

Now, in fundraising for Tommy Popcorn, I’ve adopted the same approach. Rather than drowning people in data and marketing metrics, we show how popcorn is an overlooked category ready for disruption, with bold products and a brand story that stands out in the US.

3. Traction matters earlier than you think

It’s easy to think you can raise your vision alone. But the bar for early-stage traction keeps rising. 

Even pre-seed investors want proof that people genuinely want your product. That’s something I’ve carried into Tommy Popcorn’s US launch. 

Before speaking to investors, we’d already tested flavours with a number of customers, collected letters of intent from businesses and built a brand identity that had legs. Early validation helps investors see the potential early on.

4. Valuation is a negotiation, not an exact science

Founders often obsess over valuation. In reality, it’s rarely an exact science. A “too high” valuation can scare off later investors, while “too low” can dilute you too much. 

What I’ve learnt is that valuation is less about the numbers and more about who else is backing you, how hot the market feels, and how well you tell your growth story. That traction makes conversations easier because you’re not just selling an idea, you’re showing evidence that it works.

5. Raising money is a full-time job

Founders underestimate the energy that fundraising demands. It’s not just a pitch here or there, it’s weeks of calls, follow-ups, due diligence, and endless repetition of the same story. 

In fact, many of the companies that I helped raise funds for have now employed me to consult them on a regular basis. Managing investors doesn’t just happen when you raise, it’s a part of the business that you need to nurture from the moment the money lands in your account, to the moment you exit. 

When we started raising for Tommy Popcorn, I realised quickly that it required as much discipline and resilience as launching the brand itself. The process is exhausting, but if you get it right, it’s a real launchpad.

Raising funds for your startup

 

Having been on both sides – consulting startups and now raising for my own – I’ve come to see fundraising as more than a financial process. 

 

Yes, it’s about securing capital. But the real prize is building relationships and connections that last. The right investors don’t just provide cash; they provide networks and expertise too.

For Tommy Popcorn, the funds will fuel our US launch. But what excites me more is finding investors who believe in building a snack brand with global growth, one that fuses storytelling, culture, and flavour into something unforgettable. 

That’s ultimately what makes the grind of fundraising worth it, not just the cheque, but the partners who want to be part of the journey.

A-Medicare and the Musk Effect: Why Enzo Zelocchi Could Outpace Silicon Valley’s Biggest Names

Josh Haines
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A-Medicare and the Musk Effect: Why Enzo Zelocchi Could Outpace Silicon Valley’s Biggest Names

Silicon Valley has long been seen as the birthplace of world-changing innovation. From Jobs to Musk, the valley has given us visionaries who reshaped industries and redefined what technology can do. Yet the next great disruption may not emerge from Palo Alto or Menlo Park. It might come from an unlikely figure: Enzo Zelocchi, a Hollywood actor, producer and businessman who has set his sights on fixing one of humanity’s most urgent problems. His creation, A-Medicare, could prove to be the Tesla moment for global healthcare.

The Healthcare Problem No One Has Solved

Healthcare remains one of the most broken systems on the planet. Access is uneven, costs are crushing, and inefficiency is baked into nearly every layer. Billions of people either cannot afford care or struggle to navigate fragmented systems that prioritize bureaucracy over patients. Technology has chipped away at the edges of the problem, but no platform has truly disrupted it at scale.

This is where A-Medicare enters. Conceived as a global health platform, A-Medicare promises not only efficiency but also equity. Zelocchi’s vision is to create a digital ecosystem where healthcare feels less like a privilege and more like a universal right. If Tesla made electric cars aspirational and Apple made technology intuitive, A-Medicare could make healthcare accessible, transparent, and human-centered. That kind of pivot could be historic.

The Outsider Advantage

Zelocchi does not come from the usual corridors of tech power, and that may be exactly why he has a chance to succeed where others have stumbled. He is not a coder in a hoodie or a career CEO chasing quarterly numbers. He is an outsider, blending the instincts of a storyteller with the strategy of an entrepreneur.

His background in Hollywood trained him to connect with audiences. That skill translates seamlessly to business, where explaining complex systems in ways people can actually grasp is often half the battle. Investors see a charismatic leader who can inspire confidence. Patients see someone who communicates empathy rather than jargon. The duality is rare, and it gives A-Medicare a distinct edge.

Comparisons to Elon Musk are inevitable, and not without reason. Musk redefined entire sectors by refusing to accept industry norms as permanent. Jobs did the same by making design as important as function. Richard Branson built empires by betting on audacity. Zelocchi’s edge is different. He blends vision with conscience. For him, disruption is not only about scale but about values. That kind of positioning makes A-Medicare more than a startup. It feels like a movement.

The Future of Healthcare, Rebranded

Imagine a healthcare system that does not alienate patients but welcomes them. Imagine cost structures that actually make sense, technology that makes access seamless, and leadership that places humanity at the center. This is the future A-Medicare envisions.

And while Silicon Valley continues to produce apps that promise incremental convenience, Zelocchi is targeting systemic change. His ability to unite investors, technologists, and policymakers behind a cause is a skill born from a career spent telling engaging stories. The difference now is that the stakes are not box office numbers but human lives.

The question is no longer whether Hollywood belongs in healthcare. It is whether healthcare can afford to ignore the fresh perspective of someone like Enzo Zelocchi. He may not look like the archetypal tech founder, but that may be the point. In an era when innovation demands empathy as much as ambition, A-Medicare could set a new standard. The next great disruptor of Silicon Valley’s reign might not live in Silicon Valley at all.

Unite Group Shares Plunge 5% as Student Beds Sales Miss Targets Amid Rental Growth Slowdown

Sienna Wilson
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Unite Group Shares Plunge 5% as Student Beds Sales Miss Targets Amid Rental Growth Slowdown

London, October 8, 2025 – Unite Group PLC, the largest student accommodation company in the United Kingdom, fell 5 per cent. In mid-afternoon trading on Wednesday, the company announced lower-than-anticipated student bed sales and reduced growth in rental revenues.

The FTSE 250-listed company sustained its full-year guidance, although it pointed out the challenges of weakening demand in major university markets, which raised concerns among investors about the post-pandemic recovery in the sector.

The revision, which was before the market opened, showed that Unite had sold 5,200 student beds in the third quarter, below the forecasts by the analysts who predicted 5,500 beds.

The period rental growth decelerated to 4.8% on a year-on-year basis compared to 5.5% in the previous quarter, with the international student enrollments meeting resistance due to visa limitations and economic constraints. Despite these misses, the company reiterated its underlying profit before tax forecasts of £140 million to £150 million by the end of the fiscal year on December 31, 2025.

Share price of Unite went down to 912 pence per share, losing more than 100 million in market value, and it underperformed the wider FTSE 250, which went up by 0.2%. Year-to-year, the shares have risen 12 per cent, supported by a rise in the number of domestic students, but the revelation on Wednesday dampened the optimism.

Market Leadership Sector Headwinds Test Unite

Unite, which operates more than 70,000 beds in 130 purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) in major university centres such as Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh, blamed the deficit on the existence of a conservative booking climate due to the affordability pressures at large.

As the UK inflation rate remains at 2.1 per cent and living standards continue to strain budgets, would-be students are postponing their choices or considering cheaper off-campus alternatives.

According to the trading statement by CEO Richard Smith, the international growth has been dampened by geopolitical tensions and currency, but the domestic demand has proved to be robust.

The firm observed a 3 per cent decrease in bookings by foreign students, especially those in Asia, as the UK introduced stricter immigration rules earlier this year. In response to that, Unite has intensified its marketing campaigns with more than 200 universities joining its leasing program to provide flexible leasing and other services, such as high-speed internet and study areas.

The student housing sector is a PS5 billion yearly investment market that has seen a surge in investment following the lifting of COVID-19 measures. The portfolio of Unite, with 95 per cent occupancy rates, makes it a defensive play on the real estate, and with long-term properties, Unite has predictable cash flows.

Nonetheless, the increase in interest rates to the current 4.75% after the recent Bank of England hold has raised the cost of borrowing to make expansions, leading to a reduction of planned expansions by 10 per cent in 2026.

Shareholder Panic In Greater Real Estate Fears

The knee-jerk reaction in the market reflects the increasing anxiety in the UK property market, in which commercial real estate values have declined by 15 per cent since reaching highs in 2022.

Researchers at Jefferies dropped Unite to Hold instead of Buy, citing the dangers of additional visa restrictions by the current government. The size of Unite is a buffer, but such misses may be an indicator of peak cycle amongst student lets, and the price target was cut by half to 950 pence.

Yet, not all views are bearish. Peel Hunt has added to its existing Buy rating, citing the PS1.1 billion development pipeline of Unite and its forward dividend yield of 4.1, which is healthy in a low-growth economy.

The firm estimated that rentals would improve by 5 per cent or more in 2026 due to its focus on high-quality, city-centre assets. Unite shares are trading at 12 times forward earnings, which is considered fairly reasonable given that other places, such as IQ Student Accommodation, are being valued at 14 times.

This is against a backdrop of sound university enrolment figures: UK higher education agencies have predicted 2.5 per cent growth in full-time students in 2025/26, with projections of 1.8 million undergraduates by 2028. Unite, 85 per cent of which is UK-based, is in a good position to seize this, as it had sold non-core assets for PS 200 million last year to finance premium builds.

Tactical Measures to Strengthen Resilience

To push through the turbulent waters, Unite announced its plans to spend PS300 million within two years to upgrade its sustainability, such as solar panels and energy-efficient insulation in 40 of its properties.

This is in line with the net-zero aspirations of the UK and may open green financing at reduced rates. The company is also engaging in joint ventures with institutional investors like pension funds to co-develop sites in emerging hot spot areas like Coventry and Sheffield.

Smith emphasised efficient operations, whereby vacancy rates have decreased by 7 per cent due to efficient dynamic pricing algorithms to adjust rents in real time according to demand.

He added that they are not simply offering beds but building communities that increase the success of students. Such efforts will boost margins by 150 basis points to endorse the reiterated profit expectations.

Managing Economic and Regulatory Risk

Challenges abound, however. The governmental overview of student visas, which will be completed in November, might limit the number of students to 300,000 per year in the international intakes- reduced to 2024’s 450,000- which has the potential to cut 2 per cent of the sector incomes.

Maintenance and housekeeping shortages of labour, which were worsened by Brexit, also increased costs by 6%. Unite has reduced this through PS50 million wage investment, and margins stand at 42 per cent.

The macroeconomic indicators are more encouraging and concerning at the same time. GDP growth of 0.6% in Q3 is a good sign that the economy is stable, but consumer confidence is at its lowest in two years.

In the case of Unite, the holiday letting market, which involves renting out the vacant beds in the period between summers, has shot 20 per cent and has earned the business PS15 million in revenue, as well as diversifying its income.

Conclusion to UK Real Estate Investors

The update of Unite is a dark omen to the PS12 billion PBSA market, in which yields have been driven to 4.5% as investors abandon it to seek a safer haven in other assets such as logistics.

Other peers, such as Student Castle and Watkins Jones, are under the same pressure; their shares are down 8 and 10 years-to-date, respectively. However, the basics in the sector, such as the ongoing under-supply of 500,000 beds, are a long-term positive indicator.

The 4.1 per cent dividend paid by Unite is attractive to yield-seeking investors, which is 1.8 times the amount of earnings. With the full-year results set to be announced on February 26, 2026, attention will be focused on occupancy trends and acquisition activity.

The wrong move of Unite can present an opportunity to purchase in the market that is in need of stability for the investors who bet on the long-term effects of education.

With British universities preparing to enter a new academic year, Unite Group is at the crossroads of potential and risk, and to investors, this is a reminder that not even the most fundamental industries are above the changing environment in the UK.

Greencore Shares Surge 6% as Profit Forecast Exceeds Expectations Amid Booming Food-to-Go Sector

Sienna Wilson
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Greencore Shares Surge 6% as Profit Forecast Exceeds Expectations Amid Booming Food-to-Go Sector

London, October 8, 2025 – Shares in Greencore Group plc advanced by 6 per cent in the early dealing on Wednesday in one of the most encouraging votes of confidence by investors in the convenience food giant, as the company increased its annual profit guidance twice in three months.

The company, based in Dublin, which is a supplier of staples to the large supermarkets in Britain, said that the optimistic mood was because of the increased demand in the grab-and-go foods such as sandwiches and sushi, and stringent cost control that has helped the company to avoid the inflation pressures.

The FTSE 250-traded company now expects to have PS125-million-adjusted operating profit during the fiscal year to end September 26, 2025, compared to its previous forecast of PS118-million to PS121-million.

This number also overshadows the analyst’s projected estimates that range between PS119.5 million and PS121.8 million. The revenue forecasts have also been increased to PS 1.95 billion, which is an 8% annual growth and demonstrates the ability of Greencore to withstand competition in the retail sector.

Strong Demand is Prospects of Greencore to a ‘Great Year

Greencore released a trading update in the pre-market open, and this was taken to showcase a picture of an extraordinary year marked by growth through volumes and strategic victories.

The company pointed to a notably robust fourth quarter, in which its like-for-like sales in its core UK food-to-go business increased 5.2 per cent, as the nation was finding itself enjoying quick and more upmarket offerings, due to the return to work patterns after lockdowns.

In a statement, Greencore CEO Dalton Philips said that consumers had never adopted our new product range as they are doing now. “Our products are selling, such as artisan sushi packaging and professional sandwich options that may be convenient but not compromise on quality.

This has been driven by new agreements with major retail consumers, such as extensions to Sainsbury and Tesco, which have more than 60 per cent of the UK revenue of Greencore. Greencore has experienced a ray of light in the food-to-go segment that forms the larger part of its operations in a seemingly unstable consumer goods industry.

Although these wider economic crosswinds, such as high energy prices and supply chain shocks, have tightened the belt of small companies, Greencore’s size of production over 600 million sandwiches per year has helped it to negotiate good terms with suppliers and make production efficient.

Share Prices Rally as Investor Frenzy Grows

The response of the market was rapid and clear-cut. Greencore shares had risen to 142 pence per share by mid-morning, which makes the firm worth about 700 million. This rush contributed an increment of more than PS40 million towards its market capitalisation in one session, surpassing returns in the wider FTSE 250 index, which was only squeezed up by 0.3.

The profit beat was identified by traders as a driving force, and one of the London-based fund managers commented, “The fact that Greencore had continuously been exceeding the expectations in a difficult market environment is a sign of good health in the company.

This is not an isolated occasion but an indicator of long-term growth. The rally is also indicative of increased investor interest in defensive stocks within the consumer staples sector as the geopolitical and interest rate uncertainties persist.

The Greencore shares have increased by 18% over the year to date, and this is taking over from a slow beginning of the year 2025, where inflation on raw materials first dented the mood.

The most recent update occurs right at a critical juncture, a few weeks prior to the annual results of the company on November 18, when additional information on the cost savings and margin growth is likely to be provided.

Strategic Acquisition Poised to Supercharge Growth

In the future, the Greencore plans are way beyond organic returns. The business is not behind its planned takeover of its competitor Bakkavor, which was announced in May at a cost of PS1.2 billion, that will likely cement its position in the UK chilled prepared foods industry.

The 20% premium to the value of Bakkavor shares pre-announcement would give rise to a giant with combined annual sales of above PS3 billion and a wider range of access to their own-label products.

This regulatory scrutiny is approaching a climax, and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the UK is expected to announce phase-one results later this month. Greencore executives remained optimistic and said that there was a low overlap in the customers and they were willing to divest non-core assets when necessary.

The merger, according to Philips, was not only about the scale but also about innovation and meeting the changing consumer needs. When it is completed, which is scheduled to occur at the beginning of 2026, the expanded enterprise is expected to introduce 50 new food-to-go concepts focusing on low-sugar and vegan options, targeting health-conscious populations.

Difficulties and Prospects of a Changing Market

Even with the good news, Greencore is not safe from the headwind of the sector. The increasing labour costs due to the national living wage increase in the UK, effective in April 2025, have strained the operating costs, and fluctuating commodity prices of wheat and seafood have been a threat.

The firm registered a 2 per cent increase in the input costs in the last quarter when compared to the previous quarter, but counterbalanced the same with a 15 per cent increment in its manufacturing yields, which occurred as a result of investments in automation in its Northamptonshire plants.

Analysts are optimistic with the mean price target of 165 pence, which will mean an increase of 16 per cent on the existing value. In a research note, Barclays announced that Greencore had an excellent history of execution that made the company a leader in the convenience food industry.

There is, however, the caution that excessive dependence on supermarket partnerships may expose the firm to the power of the retailer, particularly in the event that the promotional activity is ramped up over the holiday period.

Greater Implications on the UK Food Industry

The success story of Greencore is the echo throughout the UK food industry, in which the convenience is a PS20 billion juggernaut. With inflation dropping to 2.1% – the target of the Bank of England – the sector is set to begin a new rebirth, and it is projected to grow at 4 per cent per year, with projections of 4 per cent yearly up to 2028.

Competitors such as Samworth Brothers and 2 Sisters Food Group are also increasing their investments in the same category of ready meals; nevertheless, Greencore is a pioneer with its early-mover advantage and supply chain expertise that can make it a leader.

To investors, the announcement gives Greencore a stronger appeal as a yield play, and a forward dividend payout of 4.2% supported by strong free cash flow generation. Everyone will be looking forward to the decision of the CMA on whether this transaction will open the next phase of growth–or must the strategies be rethought?

This is a time when each meal matters in the quest to be more sustainable and quicker than ever. Greencore is not only feeding the country, it is also modelling its future palate. Bargain hunters can also consider this spurt an ideal entry point into one of the unsung food heroes in Britain, since shares continue to be traded at a discounted rate in comparison to historical multiples.

Dogecoin Roars Back: Whale Frenzy, ETF Momentum, and $0.30 Breakout Looms in October 2025

Sienna Wilson
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Dogecoin Roars Back: Whale Frenzy, ETF Momentum, and $0.30 Breakout Looms in October 2025

The Shiba Inu-inspired meme coin Dogecoin (DOGE) has survived the sceptics and is taking the headlines again in a crypto market recovery. DOGE is currently trading at 0.261 with a small 0.84 percentage gain, and its market capital is close to 39.5 billion, making it the eighth most popular cryptocurrency.

Supported by stockpiles of whales well ahead of 88 million tokens, new inflows of ETFs, and technical configurations screaming bullishly, analysts are talking of a possible climb to $0.30 before the month is over.

Doge coin altcoin season is being sparked by the community energy of Dogecoin as Bitcoin levels off after surging above the last time it reached $122K. Explore the best innovations that drive DOGE to the next level.

Whale Wallets Pile In: 88M DOGE Moved in Latest Signal of Big-Money Confidence

The action on-chain is electric, and whales, which are difficult to track down with huge interests, demonstrate indisputable confidence in the rise of Dogecoin. A mere few hours ago, an astronomical 88 million DOGE worth over 21.8 million were moved out of Bybit exchange to an unknown wallet, according to real-time blockchain trackers.

This comes after a turbulent week, during which large investors had purchased 30 million DOGE on October 5 (7.5 million) in the midst of a technical breakout of the downward channel, and 52.9 million DOGE (11.71 million) had gone into Coinbase, indicating the possibility of institutional placement in the next uptrend.

These moves aren’t isolated. Over the last 72 hours, cumulative whale activity has been up by 25 per cent, and inflows to large exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance have soared as holders prepare to exit ahead of volatility. It is not retail FOMO, it is strategic accumulation by addresses with billions of crypto assets, says a blockchain analyst.

These trends have been in advance of Dogecoin gaining 15% to $0.26 earlier this month, and as its open interest goes up 12, leverage traders are also joining the fray. There is a warning of the community on over-leveraging, which rings deafeningly, yet the wording is quite straightforward: the whales are sensing the smell of blood in the water, betting on DOGE to beat the other stables such as PEPE or SHIB.

The buzz is felt on the social platforms. The charts of these transfers are flooded with X threads, one of which is the viral post of a Dogecoin developer getting holders going: “Let DOGE hit 1U–join the pack! Air-dropping, wallet sharing BNB is a snow, and the grass-roots enthusiasm that Dogecoin is its secret sauce is underlined.

ETF Era Dawns: Rex-Osprey Launch Sparks DOGE Institutional Fire

The waves of the seismic change of the first U.S. Dogecoin ETF, launched on October 12, are still going on, as the token gains some degree of credibility in the market. Institutional dollars, traditionally Bitcoin-only, have already been drawn to the Rex-Osprey DOGE ETF, which is already over $150 million in assets under management, called the DOGE ETF. Although the SEC officials had grumbled early on that DOGE was not very useful, inflows of up to $45 million last week alone, according to ETF trackers, surpassed those of similar launches of Solana or XRP.

This is not hype, but it is a structural change. The ETF has reduced the obstacles to conventional investors to be exposed without wallet inconveniences and has been associated with a 131.9% annual price increase to its current value of $0.261.

The future GDOG ETF decision of Grayscale is due at the end of October, and it can release an additional $500 million if it is achieved. It is the meme coin bridge to Wall Street, according to a fund manager – Dogecoin’s ETF is a game-changer. Combine this with altseason whispers because September 11 and DOGE is the retail-institutional hybrid that is set to blow.

The lack of a restrained supply of coins, which was named uncapped by the DOGE to issue 5 billion new coins each year, is seen by critics as a drawback, yet proponents argue that predictable inflation promotes stable growth. As the supply available on the exchanges is reduced by ETFs, scarcity could fuel prices, just like in the year 2021 mania.

Technicals Prepare to Breakout: Cup-and-Handle Lows to $0.3840 in October

Charts do not lie, and Dogecoin charts are creating a bullish convergence masterpiece. A cup-and-handle pattern has developed on the 4-hour timeframe, which has a breakout of the handle, which has been affirmed at the higher level of resistance at above 0.246.

This arrangement is confirmed by the increased 50-day and 200-day moving averages since early October and will aim at $0.30 in the short run and $0.38-0.40 by Halloween, provided the momentum continues.

The MACD has gone bullish at the 50 per cent historical regime above zero, and the RSI is recovering from oversold levels without overheating. Daily charts show that DOGE has been consolidating at the $0.25 support level, with an 18% increase in volume over 24 hours to 4.2 billion, indicating accumulating pressure. It might have to touch $0.20 lows to fall below this point, yet such catalysts as social media pumping or market-wide lifts would make that hard.

Forecast(October): within the range of $0.20-0.31 according to aggregated models, and a hold position at $0.2580 by looking toward 0.27-0.29 by October 11. Farther ahead, around Q2 2025, may be $0.45- 0.50, which will be supported by integrations of DeFi and both upgrades of zk-proof nodes.

Upgrades and Integrations: ZK-Proofs and RadioDoge Issue Utility Boom Stage

Dogecoin is no longer merely a meme, but is changing. There are controversies and disagreements in the direction of allowing zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs on nodes, which could unlock Layer-2 scaling to DeFi and gaming apps, as well as privacy apps, by Q4 2025. This may reduce cost and increase throughput, overcoming long-running concerns on scalability.

RadioDoge plans to expand to 2026 through radio and Starlink, enabling blockchain connection of remote locations, accelerating it in underserved regions. There is also speculation concerning the X Payments integration, with the platform of Elon Musk teasing DOGE as an ice-cream tip. These are not pipe dreams: community devs are busy writing code like mad men there, with GitHub commits increasing 40 per cent month-to-month.

Price Outlook: $1 in Sight? Aspiring Rears and Wary Profits

Pundits are hitting on all cylinders. A regression channel by one analyst predicts $10+ end 2025 in the event of historical mania and Galaxy Digital at $1, and a $100 billion limit. More grounded: 2025 should be an average of $0.54, and the highs of 2030 should be $1.50 with a 199% gain. Risks? Flux and rivalry with utility-weighted alts.

However, the dominance of Bitcoin has fallen below 55, and therefore, Dogecoin is about to take off. The current $0.261 is the turning point- whales, ETFs and tech are converging to glory. Dogecoin possessors, the moaning of thy moon–wilt howling to return?

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident?

Danielle
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Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident?

After an accident leaves you injured and dealing with medical bills, insurance calls, and lost wages, one critical decision looms large: whether to hire a personal injury attorney or handle everything yourself. This choice could dramatically affect both your financial recovery and peace of mind during an already stressful time. The answer depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, fault disputes, and how cooperative the insurance companies prove to be. Making the right decision early can mean the difference between receiving full compensation and accepting a settlement that falls short of covering your actual damages.

When You Definitely Need Legal Help

Some situations practically demand professional legal representation. If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury, the stakes are incredibly high since there were over 69,000 TBI-related deaths in the United States in 2021, highlighting just how serious these cases can be. Similarly, if your accident resulted in permanent disability, disfigurement, or wrongful death of a loved one, you’ll need an experienced attorney to navigate the complex legal landscape.

Cases involving multiple parties, disputed liability, or when the insurance company outright denies your claim also warrant legal assistance. These scenarios often require extensive investigation, expert testimony, and negotiation skills that most people simply don’t possess.

You Might Handle Minor Cases Yourself

Not every accident requires a lawyer. If you suffered minor injuries like small cuts or bruises that healed quickly, had minimal medical expenses, and the other party’s insurance company is cooperating, you might be able to settle on your own. However, even seemingly minor accidents can have hidden complications, so it’s worth at least consulting with an attorney before making this decision.

Simple fender-benders with clear fault and cooperative insurance companies sometimes fall into this category, but be cautious about accepting quick settlement offers before fully understanding your injuries.

The Financial Reality of Accidents

The statistics around personal injury cases paint an interesting picture of what you’re up against. With an estimated 222,698 people dying from unintentional injuries in recent years and the death rate reaching around 66.5 deaths per 100,000 population, accidents are unfortunately common and can have devastating consequences. When cases do go to trial, plaintiffs win about half the time, which means having strong legal representation becomes even more crucial for maximizing your chances of success.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay for their services unless your case is successful. This arrangement makes legal help accessible even when you’re facing financial hardship from medical bills and lost wages.

Red Flags That Scream “Get a Lawyer”

Several warning signs should send you straight to a personal injury lawyer. If the insurance adjuster is pressuring you to settle quickly, seems uncooperative, or is offering an amount that doesn’t cover your medical expenses, you need professional help. When fault is being disputed or you’re dealing with a commercial vehicle, government entity, or large corporation, the complexity increases dramatically.

Additionally, if your injuries are affecting your ability to work or if you’re experiencing ongoing pain that wasn’t immediately apparent after the accident, legal representation becomes essential.

The decision to hire a personal injury lawyer shouldn’t be taken lightly, but neither should the decision to go it alone. Consider the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and whether you feel comfortable negotiating with insurance companies. Most attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s little risk in at least exploring your options.

Binance BNB Soars: Alpha Airdrops, $8M Meme Win, 29.9% Yields

Sienna Wilson
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Binance BNB Soars: Alpha Airdrops, $8M Meme Win, 29.9% Yields

October 8, 2025 – The crypto world is on fire as Binance, the largest exchange in the world, takes over the headlines today and makes multiple announcements, as well as market-shaking moves.

Whether it is the revolutionary token listings on its innovative Alpha platform, the mind-blowing trader returns, or an epic investment pool to support its own native ecosystem, Binance is driving hope through the industry.

The unstoppable rise of Bitcoin above $122,000 highlights the larger bull run, and the high-yield incentives will entice investors to cash in on their profits. A sophisticated analysis of the most popular stories that are influencing the crypto world today.

Binance Alpha Spotlights PIPE and SLX: Airdrops and Innovation Take Centre Stage

Stealing the thunder is Binance Alpha, the pre-listing hub of the exchange with high-potential early-stage projects, debuting two of them today. First is Pipe Network (PIPE), which is a Solana-based decentralised edge supercloud platform transforming content delivery, storage and AI inference.

PIPE will establish a permissionless infrastructure through the coordination of global nodes to offer bandwidth, compute, and storage resources to rival centralised cloud giants. The users are rewarded with PIPE tokens whenever they contribute resources to the network, which creates a self-sustaining network.

The launch will have an exclusive airdrop for participants of the Binance Alpha, which can be collected in the form of Alpha Points, with the minimum amount being 200 points. It trades today, and analysts expect it to trade at a debut price of between $0.10 and $0.25.

PIPE comes in with a valuation of 250 million dollars, supported by 17.5 million dollars in funding, which includes 10 million dollars in September 2024 and 7.5 million dollars in July 2025.

In the short term, there is speculation that it may be up to $0.50 to $0.80 on an adoption spurt, and long-term may even be up to $1 in a fully diluted valuation of over 1billion. This action follows Binance’s expansion to Web3 infrastructure, which can be compared to the Alpha successes of the past, such as Linea.

Close behind that is SLIMEX (SLX), a second-generation Layer 2 blockchain that will be deployed on the BNB Smart Chain with extensions to the Kaia platform. Described as gaming, creator economies, and phygital commerce, SLX is used to power NFT in-game purchasing, staking, competitions, and seasonal NFTs. It accommodates a self-sustainable blockspace economy with an aggregate supply of 10 billion tokens, a unified virtual and non-virtual asset space.

Similar to PIPE, SLX will have an airdrop portal open today for Alpha Points holders, and trading will start at the same time. The eligibility will be in the form of Binance announcements, and the details will focus on claiming it with time to keep it.

Introduced in January 2025, SLIMEX aims to achieve explosive metaverse and DeFi cross-over growth to become a metaverse building block of immersive digital experiences. These two listings highlight the position of Binance Alpha as the launchpad of disruptive technology, with the buzz about the community already hitting the roof on social sites.

Meme Coinia Mania Peaks: Trader Grew $3,500 to $7.9M on Binance Life

In one of the crypto folklore stories, an unknown trader has made a ridiculous 2,260x gain in only three days, a small sum of money turned almost 8 million through Binance Life, a new meme coin in the BNB Chain.

The trader bought 19.8 million tokens when the market capital of the project was still under 100,000 dollars, and it was a retail run that sent the value of the token soaring. They cleverly resold 1.3 million tokens to get back to the top to give 18.5 million worth $7.9 million and position themselves as the largest holder.

Such a windfall is the stereotypical high-octane BNB meme season that the ecosystem is in, with tokens such as Binance Life, 4, Paul (PALU), and others, recording triple- and quadruple-digit returns. Enhancing nearly 24 hours of trade volume of more than 335 million flooded these assets according to DEXScreener data, gas charges dropped to one-tenth of the previous value.

The Binance founder CZ added gasoline to the flames with a trollish X post: “BNB szn!” Other wallets followed suit, and it was reported that one used the wallet to turn $6,000 into $1.6 million in 48 hours, and another made the same turn with $120,000 to $1.4 million.

However, the euphoria has conditions. The volatility of meme coins can result in sudden turns, often with late movers going through liquidity crunches and losses. As early movers enjoy the fortunes, analysts caution that the only way to grow sustainably is to have underlying utility in the face of ever-growing DeFi and NFT offerings of Binance.

Yield Arena Delivers Sizzling Returns: Up to 29.9% APR in Limited-Time Blitz

As Binance Earn, the Yield Arena will be introducing irresistible promotions now. The user is able to claim up to 29.9% APR on selected limited-time offers, a combination of flexible and locked products to achieve the best risk-reward. The qualified assets include stablecoins such as USDC (8% down to 8% APR in flexible savings through November) and a high-yield pool of both BTC and ETH.

This redesigned interface makes the process of staking, farming, and dual investments much easier, and $1 million in prizes have already been given out since the start. These yields indicate the maturity of the Binance ecosystem at a time of increasing TVL on BNB Chain – currently at $8.23 billion. The maturity is 3-4 times higher than that of traditional banks. The offers are available until October, and people should act fast because the limits change dynamically.

Bitcoin Powers Past $122K Milestone, BNB Eyes Recovery Post-ATH

Bitcoin (BTC) has surpassed its $122,000 target, and the current market bulls are roaring because the decline of 2.26 per cent over 24 hours was only narrowed to allow the cryptocurrency to reach new heights. This was a move on top of September consolidation and marks new institutional inflows and ETF momentum with dominance falling below 55% to greenlight altseason.

Binance Coin (BNB), the flagship currency of the exchange, is piling up following an all-time peak that it broke on October 6 at 1,223. Trading at $1,210 with shallow 7-14% corrections, the overbought RSI (73.89) of BNB suggests a short-term drop, yet optimistic EMAs and MACD suggest the market will be at $1,250 by the end of the month. Analysts estimate that 2025 will reach the highs at $1,535 due to the growth of dApps and a suggested U.S. ETF.

To further escalate the energy, today, YZi Labs, which was previously Binance Labs, announced a $1 billion Builder Fund, aimed at BNB ecosystem innovators. This injection, with BNB surpassing XRP in the market capitalisation, will fuel DeFi, NFTs and Layer 2s.

Quick Hits: Liquidity Boosts and Maintenance Ahead

Haedal Protocol, created by Sui-based joins Binance Spot Altcoin Liquidity Boost starting October 13, giving massive maker rebates on HAEDAL-USDT to fill deeper pools. In the meantime, the spot trading of HOME/FDUSD, SPK/FDUSD and USUAL/FDUSD ends on October 10, but continued trading can take place through other pairs.

In the midst of cementing its throne, the current flood of news creates a vivid image of innovation, rewards and raw opportunity. As the BTC soars and BNB stays resilient, October of 2025 might become one of the historic moments in crypto history. Investors, be on your guard–the field is thine to take.

NatWest Invests in JS Group to Enhance the Delivery and Impact of Student Financial Support

Danielle
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NatWest Invests in JS Group to Enhance the Delivery and Impact of Student Financial Support

NatWest today announced a minority investment in JS Group to support the wider adoption of its Aspire platform.

Aspire is designed to deliver measurable improvements by simplifying the distribution of student financial aid, ensuring recipients receive funds quickly and securely while significantly reducing the administrative burden and costs for funders.

JS Group currently specialises in enabling universities to efficiently distribute financial support such as bursaries, scholarships and hardship grants to students.

This strategic investment will initially focus on transforming how financial support is delivered across the higher education sector. It aims to improve social inclusion by breaking down barriers so that students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds can access and succeed at university.

Beyond higher education, the investment will also accelerate the uptake of Aspire in other sectors, including charities as well as local and central government, where efficient and impactful delivery of financial aid is vital for promoting social mobility.

The investment highlights NatWest’s ongoing commitment to championing innovative solutions that enhance financial accessibility and provide funders with more effective, technology-driven ways to manage disbursements.

NatWest and JS Group have an established relationship. In 2022, JS Group integrated Payit by NatWest into the Aspire platform to enhance the ‘last mile’ of payment delivery. This partnership improved the way universities could transfer bursary and hardship funds to students – reducing the time from days to just minutes – creating a better experience for both students and institutions.

This service streamlined access to funds, helping students overcome financial hardship with faster direct payments into their bank accounts. The solution has since been implemented by universities across the UK.

Building on this partnership, NatWest’s new investment in JS Group reflects its ambition to further empower key sectors of the economy with reliable and efficient financial services. The minority stake represents a significant step in NatWest’s drive to collaborate with innovative companies to advance payment solutions.

Barrie Davison, National Sector Head at NatWest, comments:

“Building on the well-established partnership between Payit by NatWest and JS Group, this investment enables us to work towards a shared goal of accelerating the adoption of open banking technology.

“We are excited to support JS Group in their mission to simplify and improve the way universities and other funders manage and distribute financial support while being at the forefront of the payments industry. This investment aligns with our goal of fostering innovation and providing financial solutions while supporting the higher education sector. It is a key opportunity to advance payment innovations and shape the future of the payments landscape while improving customer experience.”

Peter Gray, Chairman and CEO at JS Group, comments:

“We are thrilled to welcome NatWest as an investor in JS Group to drive our mission of transforming the delivery and impact of financial support. Aspire gives funders greater optionality over the delivery of financial support and gives beneficiaries agency over how they receive funds. This investment will enable us to further develop our platform and expand our reach, ensuring that more universities, more sectors and more beneficiaries can take advantage of our efficient and secure payment services. We look forward to working closely with NatWest as we continue innovating. Their expertise will be invaluable as we seek to scale our platform and accelerate our venture into new sectors.”

JS Group was advised during the transaction by FRP Corporate Finance (Lead Corporate Finance Advisers) – Simon Davies and Darren Miller; Shoosmiths (Legal Advisers) – Steve Porter, Lisa Sigalet and Lawrence Renny; and DSA (Transaction Tax Advisers) – Nick Byfield and Doug MacLeod.

Former Olympic Basketball Star Nadezhda Grishaeva Delays Opening of Flagship Anvil Fitness Club in Malaysia Until Summer

Danielle
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Former Olympic Basketball Star Nadezhda Grishaeva Delays Opening of Flagship Anvil Fitness Club in Malaysia Until Summer

MALAYSIA. October 6th, 2025 – Former Olympic basketball star and entrepreneur Nadezhda Grishaeva has announced that the long-awaited opening of her flagship Anvil Fitness Club in Malaysia will be postponed until the summer of 2026.

According to Nadezhda Grishaeva, the delay is caused by a mix of bureaucratic hurdles and construction setbacks. “I regret that we cannot open earlier, but I want every Anvil club to be created in top style, down to the smallest detail. From interiors and lighting to furniture and color combinations, everything must align with my vision,” she explained.

Grishaeva emphasized that her clubs are not just gyms, but immersive destinations where fitness meets art, design, and lifestyle. In Malaysia, she also plans to incorporate local cultural elements into the design, which has further extended the development timeline.

During a meeting with Jefri bin Ngadirin, representative of the National Sports Council of Malaysia, Nadezhda Grishaeva expressed her concerns regarding the current difficulties with the club’s opening and assured that the new fitness center will definitely open in summer 2026.

Despite the delay, Nadezhda Grishaeva decided to share an exclusive first look at the future club’s interiors. Renderings reveal a bold mix of industrial elegance, artistic lighting, and Malaysian-inspired décor. “Every Anvil space should transport its members — it’s not just about working out, it’s about living an experience,” Grishaeva added.

The Kuala Lumpur franchise will become the brand’s first step into Southeast Asia, following the success of Anvil Fitness in Moscow, which opened in May 2021. With more than 1,500 members by 2022, the Moscow flagship has already become a benchmark in premium fitness.

Looking ahead, Grishaeva continues to expand the Anvil ecosystem, which already includes healthy food cafés and community-focused wellness spaces. “Fitness today is about lifestyle, art, and connection. That’s what I’m bringing to every new Anvil location,” she said.

The Malaysian opening, while delayed, is expected to set a new benchmark for fitness and design in the region, combining global vision with local authenticity.

Success Stories: Real-Life Transformations through Dr. Sophia Khousadian’s Programs

ABC Staff
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Success Stories: Real-Life Transformations through Dr. Sophia Khousadian’s Programs

Dr. Sophia Khousadian’s holistic approach to education and personal development has touched countless lives, helping individuals achieve remarkable transformations. Her innovative programs, grounded in educational psychology and enriched with practical strategies, cater to diverse learning needs, fostering both academic and personal growth. This article celebrates the success stories of individuals who have experienced life-changing benefits through Dr. Khousadian’s guidance and programs.

A Foundation of Expertise

Dr. Khousadian’s extensive educational background includes a BA in Liberal Studies with a specialization in Special Education, a Master’s in Educational Psychology, and a Doctorate in Education and Psychology in Organizational Leadership. These qualifications, combined with certifications in Life Coaching, NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP), and Hypnotherapy, have equipped her with a deep understanding of human development and the tools to foster resilience and growth.

Her holistic approach integrates educational theory with real-world applications, creating tailored programs that address the unique needs of her clients. The success stories of those who have benefited from her programs highlight the profound impact of her work.

Empowering Students to Excel

Dr. Khousadian’s programs have had a significant impact on students struggling with various challenges. One parent shared a testimonial about the positive changes they observed in their child after participating in Dr. Khousadian’s program. The parent noted, “Dr. Khousadian’s approach to teaching and personal development is truly transformative. My child has become more confident, engaged, and academically successful. We are grateful for the positive impact she has had on our family”. This success story exemplifies how Dr. Khousadian’s holistic approach can transform a student’s educational experience, fostering both academic and personal growth.

Supporting Professional Development

Dr. Khousadian’s programs also extend to adults seeking personal and professional development. Clients have reported significant improvements in their professional lives after participating in her programs. For example, testimonials highlight how her focus on emotional intelligence and effective communication has helped clients build stronger relationships and improve their leadership capabilities.

One client expressed, “Dr. Khousadian’s coaching has been transformative for me. I’ve developed better communication skills, increased my confidence, and learned to manage my team more effectively. The impact on my professional life has been profound”. This success story highlights the versatility of Dr. Khousadian’s programs in addressing the unique needs of professionals seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Dr. Khousadian’s holistic approach has also been instrumental in helping individuals overcome personal challenges. One client shared, “Dr. Khousadian’s approach has truly been life-changing. I have gained so much clarity and confidence in both my personal and professional life. Her holistic methods have provided me with the tools to overcome my anxiety and pursue my goals with renewed energy”. This success story is a testament to the power of Dr. Khousadian’s methods in helping individuals overcome personal obstacles and achieve lasting change.

Building Resilience in Children

Dr. Khousadian’s impact also extends to young children, as demonstrated by the experiences of families who have benefited from her programs. One testimonial from her website states, “Dr. Khousadian’s programs have made a significant difference in my child’s life. He is now more confident, happier, and performing better academically”. This success story underscores the effectiveness of Dr. Khousadian’s holistic approach in nurturing young minds and helping children overcome learning challenges.

Dr. Sophia Khousadian’s programs have led to numerous success stories, each illustrating the transformative power of her holistic approach to education and personal development. By integrating educational theory with practical strategies, Dr. Khousadian provides individuals with the tools they need to achieve academic excellence, professional growth, and personal resilience. Her dedication to fostering a growth mindset and emotional well-being has helped countless individuals overcome challenges and reach their fullest potential.

 

As Dr. Khousadian continues to inspire and empower individuals through her innovative programs, her vision for a global community that values continuous growth and holistic development remains at the heart of her mission. The success stories of those who have benefited from her guidance serve as powerful reminders of the positive impact that a dedicated and holistic approach to learning can have on our lives.

For Media Inquiries and More Information:

Email: sophia@drkhousadian.com

Website: DrSophiaKhousadian.com

Instagram: instagram.com/dr.khousadian

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