Brands Including MLB, Netflix & DC Comics Enter the Futureverse Ecosystem Leading to a New Chapter of AI Powered Fan Experiences

GLOBAL (April 17, 2025) – Futureverse, the leader in revolutionary, generative AI and open gaming technologies, has announced its acquisition of Candy Digital, home to blue chip brands like Major League Baseball (MLB), Netflix, Getty Images, Warner Bros. Discovery, and DC Comics with the goal of bringing AI to the forefront in the next chapter of immersive experiences for brands and sports entertainment. 

In today’s modern media landscape, consumers already spend most of their time in front of screens—the digital world is where attention lives. Brands and IP are challenged with the constant question of what happens next in a fragmented sea of content?  Brands must find innovative ways to utilize emerging technology to break through to consumers and create  interesting experiences that people actually care about.

With the acquisition of Candy, Futureverse is setting out to help these brands break through the noise by injecting its patented, state of the art AI and metaverse technology into Candy’s high-profile IP including over 4M digital collectibles and a massive customer base of over 1.5M accounts. 

“Brands like MLB and DC Comics already sit at the intersection of digital and real-world fandom,” said Aaron McDonald, Co-Founder and CEO, Futureverse. “By bringing them into Futureverse’s ecosystem, we can leverage our technology to build the kind of immersive experiences that enhance brand loyalty and create a new format for great brands, beloved characters and world class stories to deepen their user  engagement. 

“Candy combines emerging technology with purpose-driven design to create loyalty programs, digital ticketing, on-chain gaming, and fan marketplaces that reward participation and strengthen fan communities,” said Matt Novogratz, Co-Founder and SVP of Candy Digital. “It’s a natural move for us to join forces with Futureverse who are true industry leaders with patented technology that is defining how brands will engage in this ever-evolving digital world where most interactions take place.”

Candy’s premium IP and expansive content library will be integrated into The Root Network, Futureverse’s layer 1 blockchain, which will address brand concerns around AI, creative rights, and ownership. No longer relying on outdated legal frameworks, Futureverse embeds IP protection directly into its technology—giving these brands the power to unlock new revenue and allow their protected assets to be safely used across gaming and new digital experiences in this next phase of the internet. 

Futureverse’s tech stack will open new doors for Candy’s partners to engage with fresh, digitally native audiences, fostering creativity. Futureverse is creating the ultimate next-generation fan experience—one where digital ownership is real, gameplay is truly interoperable, and accessibility is easy for everyday people.

Candy Digital is backed by industry-leading investors, who are now welcomed to the Futureverse ecosystem, including Galaxy Digital, ConsenSys Mesh, HENI, 10T Holdings, Microsoft, Griffin Gaming, RRE Ventures, Arcadia, Martis Capital, Third Kind Venture Capital, Warner Brothers, The Lao, Wakem Digital, and Jay Street Holdings, among others.

 

Turin, New York, Bergamo – April 16, 2025 – Comau has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of Automha, an Italian company operating in the warehousing and intralogistics automation industry, owned by Trasma. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent in transactions of this type, including necessary regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2025. Under the terms of the agreement Comau will acquire 100% of Automha shares, paving the way for new opportunities within the rapidly growing warehousing and logistics sector and establishing a further step toward the creation of a forward-focused Italian industrial automation hub able to innovate and compete in multiple markets.

To ensure business continuity, Automha will continue to operate with the same structure, management and strategic vision, keeping people, quality and innovation at its core. Franco Togni will retain his position as CEO while Gianni Togni and Roberta Togni, in addition to continuing in their current roles, will join the Comau Executive Committee to contribute to the ongoing development of both companies.

This binding agreement is coherent with the strategy behind the recent change in Comau’s shareholder structure – whose majority share is now held by One Equity Partners, an international private equity firm – which has allowed Comau to become a standalone company. With this acquisition Comau reconfirms and strengthens its Italian roots and operations, while enhancing its global offer and international presence. In parallel, Automha will be able to scale-up and further develop its business by leveraging an enhanced geographical footprint and in-house technology competencies. Furthermore, given that Comau and Automha are fully complementary, the relationship will strengthen the mutual portfolio of projects.

“Expanding our reach, know-how and technology portfolio through the acquisition of innovative companies such as Automha is a crucial step in Comau’s growth strategy, as defined when we became a stand-alone company and implemented immediately after the closing phase,” said Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “In addition to capitalizing on the strong growth potential of warehousing and intralogistics markets, the integration of Automha within Comau will allow us to leverage our combined expertise and resources, to accelerate innovation and growth across a wide range of global industrial sectors.”

“When we invested in Comau, we saw a clear path forward to help the company expand strategically and gain scale. M&A is a main driver for this, and we identified warehouse, logistics and handling automation systems as a significant opportunity for this business,” said Ante Kusurin, Partner at One Equity Partners. “The acquisition of Automha is a move toward diversification of Comau’s operations and further taps the company into industrial automation trends improving productivity across many industries. We are excited for the opportunity ahead of us as these two complementary companies join forces.”

“In Comau we have found a partner who shares our values of quality, innovation, and commitment to customer success,” added Franco Togni, Founder of Automha. “This new chapter represents not only a moment of growth for Automha but also a continuation of the journey that began in 1979. I look forward to the future that lies ahead, knowing that together with Comau, we will continue to build excellence, expand our global impact and to reach a proper size to keep a leading position in a market that is increasing competitiveness and project dimensions.”

Supported by Dubai Sports Council, the Middle East’s Oldest International Road Race to Welcome Runners from Over 140 Countries

The 2026 Dubai Marathon – the 25th staging of the Middle East’s oldest international marathon – will be held on February 1.

Dubai, UAE – The organising committee of the Dubai Marathon has officially opened registration for the 25th edition of the iconic race, set to take place on February 1, 2026.

 Celebrating its silver jubilee, the Dubai Marathon – the Middle East’s oldest international road race – will mark a significant milestone in its illustrious history with special activities and elite-level competition. Supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the race offers a flat, fast course, attracting participants from around the world. With participation expected from over 140 countries, the event remains a cornerstone on Dubai’s sports calendar and a key fixture in the global marathon circuit.

Recognised as the first race in the region to earn the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label, the Dubai Marathon has become synonymous with record-breaking performances and world-class participation. Legendary athletes have tackled the route, including Haile Gebrselassie who famously recorded the second-fastest marathon time in history during his first appearance in Dubai in 2008, a feat that solidified the race’s global standing.

Dubai Sports Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the event, highlighting its contribution to the city’s international sports profile and its significant economic impact, particularly through tourism and hospitality. Over the past 25 years, the Dubai Marathon has grown into one of the top ten marathons in the world, drawing top-tier athletes and thousands of amateur runners each year.

Alongside the full 42.195km marathon, the 2026 edition will feature a 10km road race and a 4km fun run, offering an inclusive experience for participants of all fitness levels. Registration is now open via the official website dubaimarathon.org Race Director Peter Connerton said: “In coordination with the Dubai Sports Council and other government partners, we are delighted to announce the opening of registration for the 25th Dubai Marathon. To mark the silver jubilee, we are preparing a year-long series of special events leading up to race day.

“Since the inaugural edition, the Dubai Marathon has steadily risen to the top tier of global road racing. Highlights such as the 2008 race featuring Haile Gebrselassie and the ground-breaking 2018 event where seven runners clocked sub-2:05 times for the first time in marathon history have cemented its place among the world’s most prestigious marathons.”

Recent editions have seen rising stars make their mark. In 2017, current Olympic champion Tamirat Tola took victory, while in 2019 reigning world marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich made her marathon debut with a win in Dubai. Earlier this year, Ethiopian runner Bute Gemechu clinched the men’s title on his debut appearance with a time of 2:04:51, while compatriot Berdatu Hirpa secured the women’s title in 2:18:27, surpassing her personal best after a thrilling duel with 2023 winner Dera Dida.

Ahmed Al Kamali, General Coordinator of the Dubai Marathon, emphasised the city’s unmatched infrastructure and readiness to host global sporting events. “Dubai offers world-class facilities, a highly advanced transportation network, and diverse accommodation options, making it an ideal destination for international events,” he said.

“The marathon plays a major role in promoting Dubai as a leading tourist and sports hub. We look forward to welcoming runners from around the world as we celebrate the silver jubilee of the Dubai Marathon, the first international marathon in the Middle East.”

Workspace design is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s about precision, speed, and immersive experiences. Today, a new generation of design startups is transforming how commercial interiors are envisioned and executed, using advanced technologies like virtual reality, automation, and cloud-based project management to bridge the gap between concept and completion.

These companies are enabling businesses to virtually walk through their future offices before a single physical change is made, ensuring alignment on design, layout, and functionality from the very beginning. With tools that offer real-time collaboration, 3D visualization, layout customization, and automated progress tracking, these tech-led solutions are minimizing delays, reducing cost overruns, and increasing transparency across the project lifecycle.

By combining creative design expertise with in-house technological innovation, these startups are addressing long-standing challenges in the fit-out process—be it communication breakdowns, design revisions, or unforeseen budget escalations. The result is a seamless, client-centric approach to building workspaces that are as functional as they are visually compelling.

In this listicle, we spotlight five innovative startups that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in workspace design—bringing futuristic tools to a traditionally manual industry and setting new standards for how commercial spaces come to life.

Flipspaces

Flipspaces is a Global Real Estate Expansion Management venture with End-to-end solutions for CUSTOMISED DESIGN and BUILD for Commercial Spaces. They have developed an in-house proprietary technology for VR-supported video walkthroughs (Link), a first in the industry and a proven game changer. It is instrumental in not only letting businesses visualize their site in advance but also critical for minimum variation in the estimated budget and timelines during the fit-out period. Apart from this, they also share the Client Application with your username and password to check all the updates of your projects, be it your customized layouts, 3D Renders, Project Updates, and more. For nearly a decade, they have successfully executed 700+ projects, covering more than 7 million sq. ft. of space. Their cutting-edge technology, in-house manufacturing capabilities, and tech-enabled project management & execution, coupled with a huge team of qualified vendors, differentiate them from other competitors – as we deliver all services with supreme quality, quick turnaround time, and cost benefits.

Trezi

Provider of SaaS-based VR-based visualization solutions. Its platform provides users with features that include immersive design presentations, real-time design communication, collaborative design reviews, and VR-enabled coordination meetings.

SmartvizX

Provider of VR-based solutions for multiple businesses. It facilitates creating an interactive virtual environment to stimulate potential users into experiencing arenas and spaces that haven’t even been physically built like buildings, office desks.

PropVR

Provider of a cloud-driven virtual tour software for real estate professionals. It enables users to build VR tours using drag-and-drop tools and allows clients to visit multiple projects remotely. The company also provides 360 photography services, 3D floor plans, and virtual tour development services.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 11, 2025: His Excellency Bandar Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia, is currently preparing to visit Indonesia and all eyes are on the flourishing relationship between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia has long recognized Indonesia as a key partner in Southeast Asia, and the upcoming visit by a high-level delegation led by His Excellency Bandar AlKhorayef is expected to further cement cooperation in industry &  mining sectors. Indonesia is a key trading partner for Saudi Arabia with bilateral trade reaching more than USD 6 billion in 2023.

The visit underscores the growing strategic and economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the areas of mining and key strategic industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, food industry, and automotive.

Indonesia has emerged as a vital economic and geopolitical partner for Saudi Arabia in Southeast Asia. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded USD6 billion, reflecting a strong foundation of mutual interest and an eagerness to deepen engagement across several high-growth sectors.

A major focal point of the upcoming visit will be the strengthening of Saudi-Indonesia collaboration in the mining sector. With Indonesia’s mineral fuel exports valued at USD67 billion and imports reaching USD38 billion in the last fiscal year, the sector offers expansive opportunities for long-term growth.

During the visit, His Excellency will meet with several key officials from the public sector including his counterparts, Indonesia’s Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources, and Minister of Industry of Indonesia. His Excellency will also converse with members of the private sector, including the Director and CEO of PT Vale Febriany Eddy and CEO of BioPharma, Shaqiq Akasya.

Saudi Arabia has already made strategic investments in the country through its private sector, including its stake in Vale Indonesia, a subsidiary of the global mining giant Vale. This partnership highlights the Kingdom’s interest in expanding its footprint in Indonesia’s mining landscape, while supporting the sustainable development of one of the world’s most resource-rich regions.

Vale Indonesia is among the top producers of nickel – an essential component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Saudi Arabia which is investing heavily in renewable energy and EV technologies as part of its Vision 2030 agenda, could view collaboration in this area as a gateway to securing critical resources for its clean energy transition. As global demand for EVs continues to rise, Saudi Arabia’s investment will help unlock further exploration processing and infrastructure development in Indonesia’s mining sector.

In 2024, Indonesia’s global exports reached USD217 billion, a 1.3% year-on-year increase. Indonesia also has a target of reaching USD405 billion in global exports by 2029.

Saudi Arabia has played a key role in this trajectory, importing more than USD2 billion in goods from Indonesia in 2023, while exporting USD4 billion worth of products to the country.

A notable example of Indonesia’s growing contribution in Saudi Arabia’s food industry is the presence of Indofood, one of Indonesia’s largest consumer goods companies, which has expanded its operations in the Kingdom. Indofood’s instant noodles first emerged on the Saudi market in 1986 and are now widely distributed across Saudi Arabia.

Worthmentioning, the Jeddah Food Cluster, the largest food cluster in the world, represents a key area for potential collaboration. The cluster is positioned as a regional hub for halal food production and distribution, aligning closely with Indonesia’s position as the world’s largest halal market. The Jeddah Food cluster is also strategically located near Saudi Arabia’s key ports that facilitate exports across continents such as Africa, Europe and Asia.

In December 2023, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in halal product assurance and mutual recognition of halal certifications. The agreement aims to harmonize standards and streamline certification processes, reducing trade friction and opening news avenues for Indonesian halal producers to access the Saudi and wider GCC markets.

The visit of His Excellency Bandar Al-Khorayef, marks a new chapter in this relationship, with a focus on innovation, sustainable development and joint ventures in high-impact sectors. Beyond mining and food production, discussions are expected to include renewable energy, infrastructure and the sharing of industrial expertise.

Both countries are committed to leveraging their partnership to create long-term value, not only for their domestic economies but also for regional and global markets. Through increased trade, strategic investment and halal sector collaboration, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are setting the stage of a future of share prosperity and mutual growth.

The latest market analysis from eXp India has revealed that Gurugram, Greater Noida and Bhubaneswar have been the strongest performing areas of the Indian property market over the last year having registered the highest rates of annual price growth.

eXp India analysed the latest market data for Q4 2024, looking at how property values have changed across the Indian property market on an annual basis (Q4 2023).

The analysis shows that it’s the Gurugram region that has seen the strongest market performance, with property values increasing by a notable 33.9% in the last year alone.

Greater Noida has seen the second strongest rate of growth at 24.2%, with Bhubaneswar sitting in third where property values are up 22.1% over the last year.

Coimbatore (+21.1%) and Noida (21%) have also seen an annual rate of growth in excess of 20%.

Such has been the strength of the Indian property market over the last year that just three areas of the market have seen a decline in property values.

Thiruvananthapuram has seen the largest decline with property values falling by -5.8% on an annual basis, whilst Howrah (-3.5%) and Ludhiana (-1.6%) have also seen a decline.

Whilst house prices across Delhi are up over the course of the year, the annual rate of growth of 0.4% is the lowest of all areas to have seen positive movement.

Data tables and sources

• Data sourced from Residex and based on Q4 2023 vs Q4 2024.
• Full data tables and sources can be viewed online, here.