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Pudgy Penguins toys to be sold in Targets
Pudgy Penguins, the IP and brand development company behind the series of globally recognized characters, recently announced that its line of Pudgy Toys and newly licensed Lil Pudgys are now available at Target stores nationwide. Each toy comes with a QR code that unlocks traits and collectibles inside of the newly updated version of Pudgy World, an online, open-world game that is powered by zkSync, where players can customize penguin characters, complete story-driven quests, and more.
The line of plushies, figurines, and collectibles inspired by the Pudgy Penguins NFT collection, launched in May 2023 on e-commerce platforms and quickly became a No. 1 seller on Amazon in three separate categories and won Toy Insider’s Top Summer Toy of 2023. In September 2023, Pudgy Toys debuted in 2,000 Walmart locations, and earlier this year announced the expansion of its Walmart relationship with the addition of 1,100 new locations.
“This expansion into Target, a leader in retail innovation, signifies more than just growth; it underscores our drive to widen the Pudgy Penguins community, attracting a diverse new audience to our IP,” says Luca Netz, CEO of Miami-based Pudgy Penguins based in Miami. “By integrating our unique digital NFT elements with physical toys, we’re not just capturing the hearts of a wider audience. We’re also pioneering a new era where blockchain technology meets everyday consumer interaction.”
READ MORE: Meet the 25-year-old entrepreneur out to transform brand ownership with NFTs
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Kairos launches instant identity verification platform
Miami-based face biometrics developer Kairos has launched an identity verification platform featuring unbiased AI, selfie biometrics, liveness detection and ID document checks so that any business can meet KYC requirements, follow age restrictions, deter fraudsters and keep spam accounts and Gen-AI bot accounts off their platform.
Founded in 2012 by Brian Brackeen, Kairos is a leading provider of biometric and identity verification solutions with over 1 billion verifications delivered. The company’s new Instant Identity Verification Platform provides a bundle of algorithms that can be implemented together or separately to offer varying levels of speed, protection, and user-privacy for a variety of use cases, from KYC to bot detection.
“I am confident that our new digital identity verification platform will play a pivotal role in the creation of a digital future where digital identity verification is made available in every corner of the world, allowing anyone, especially the unbanked, to easily open up bank accounts, engage in online commerce, rent property, and start businesses,” said Kairos Chairman E. Jay Saunders, in a statement.
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Construction tech firm raises funding
Firmus, a Miami- and Tel Aviv-based company specializing in preconstruction AI design review and risk analysis, raised an undisclosed amount in funding led by Navitas Capital with participation from Heartland Ventures, PiLabs, and Unorthodox Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to further enhance its growth in AI-driven bid-ability and constructability review with expanded capabilities, new system integrations, and deeper market penetration.
Led by CEO Shir Abecasis, Firmus provides an AI design review and risk analysis platform that enables general contractors, developers, and AEC stakeholders to detect and mitigate design issues early. Its solution, already adopted by construction and design-build firms in North America, provides a suite of AI tools that scan hundreds of drawing sheets and detect issues in construction documents, such as incomplete design, scope gaps, and discrepancies.
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Terran Orbital wins Lockheed contract for 18 satellite buses
Lockheed Martin awarded Terran Orbital a subcontract to produce 18 satellite buses for its Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer contract, the company announced this week. Terran Orbital previously built 10 buses for Lockheed Martin for the Tranche 0 Transport Layer, and is currently building 42 satellites for Lockheed’s work on the Tranche 1 Transport Layer.
“We’re proud to once again be selected as the trusted space vehicle provider for Lockheed Martin, especially for the SDA’s critical tracking mission,” said Marc Bell, Terran Orbital’s co-founder, chairman and CEO.
This news comes after Lockheed Martin placed and then withdrew a bid to acquire Terran Orbital over the last few months. Confirming that it is still undergoing a strategic review, Bell told investors during an earnings call that the review allows the company to consider “all options.”
Based in Boca Raton, Terran Orbital manufactures satellite products for the aerospace and defense industries. And went public in 2021 as part of a SPAC transaction.
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Miami-Dade to host Makers Marketplace
In celebration of National Small Business Month and in support for local entrepreneurs, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) will host the Miami-Dade County Makers Marketplace on Tuesday. This event will offer a platform for local small businesses to showcase and sell their goods and services directly to the public. It will be 11 am to 3 pm May 21 at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in downtown Miami.
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Opportunity knocks
- A call for entries for the eMerge Americas PRIDE! Pitch Competition: The competition is open to LGTBIQA+ founders and six companies will pitch live on June 11 at a pop up Miami Tech Happy Hour in partnership with Chris Adamo and Natalia Martinez-Kalinina. The winner will receive a $2,500 prize. Appy here by May 28 (deadline extended)
- Last call: The application window is closing soon for the 2024 Techstars Miami Fall Accelerator, which will be a hybrid program. Apply by May 22.
- HackinMiami, an AI-focused hackathon, is happening on June 15-16. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding tech enthusiast, HackinMiami is the perfect platform to showcase your skills and connect with like-minded individuals. Register here.
- As part of its 100 Startup Project Scholarship Program, The Levan Center of Innovation is offering 10 entrepreneurs a one-year membership to the Levan Center of Innovation, thanks to the support of Memorial Healthcare System. Apply here.
- Mana Tech is accepting applications for its Miami Immersion Program, a program that gives international startup founders on-site experience in Miami. Learn more and apply here.
ICYMI
- Boopos closes new credit line of up to $175M for business-buying marketplace
- Raul Moas to lead new Partnership for Miami aimed at long-term prosperity: A Q&A
- GET Cities Miami is closing but its leader will continue its gender equity work with Radical Partners
- Hirize is revolutionizing job recruitment through AI
- Have you considered SBA funding for your startup? Locality Bank can help
- Security Token Market brings Securitize, Onyx, WisdomTree and other key leaders together for Miami’s first tokenization conference
- Shifting gears: CRANT’s data-driven approach to marketing for positive impact
- Amid cybersecurity boom, Boca startup Securily sees major growth
- And much more on Refresh Miami here
Have news to report? Email Nancy Dahlberg at nancy@refreshmiami.com and follow her on X @ndahlberg. Subscribe to Refresh Miami’s free weekly newsletter here.
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