ARO Network Secures $2.1M to Build Decentralized Edge Cloud for AI and Peer-to-Peer Content Delivery

ARO Network has raised $2.1 million in pre-seed funding to propel its vision of a decentralized edge cloud—one optimized for peer-to-peer content delivery and AI compute. The funding round was led by NoLimit Holdings and Dispersion Capital, with contributions from Escape Velocity, Maelstrom, and several strategic angel investors.

Unlike traditional cloud infrastructure providers, ARO is flipping the script by tapping into idle internet bandwidth and compute power from individuals. This model forms a peer-to-peer CDN (PCDN) that delivers content with lower latency and costs, bypassing centralized data centers altogether.

From Proven Tech to Next-Gen Edge Cloud
ARO Network isn’t starting from scratch. Its architecture has roots in a previous deployment that scaled to over 1.5 million active nodes and generated $140 million annually—largely across emerging markets where last-mile latency is a critical issue.

“ARO isn’t just about optimizing internet performance,” said Adam Farhat, Head of Marketing at ARO Network. “We’re challenging the very idea of ownership and control of the internet. This is about infrastructure powered by the people.”

The company is positioning its decentralized edge infrastructure as a legitimate competitor to legacy CDNs even in mature markets, leveraging a crypto-native incentive model to encourage adoption and scalability.

Backing from DePIN and DeFi Ecosystem Leaders
Investors see ARO as more than an infrastructure play—it’s a paradigm shift.

“CDN is the Trojan horse to decentralized edge compute,” said Patrick, Managing Partner at Dispersion Capital. “ARO brings the tech, timing, and execution.”

“ARO reduces latency and server load, delivering lower operating costs to both Web2 and Web3 enterprises,” added Malcolm, General Partner at No Limit Holdings.

Roadmap: Testnet, Community, and Ecosystem Integration
With fresh capital in hand, ARO Network is launching its testnet and expanding node deployments via hardware (ARO Pod) and software (ARO Client). The Pioneers Program—ARO’s community activation initiative—is onboarding early node operators and contributors who align with its vision of a truly decentralized internet.

ARO is already integrating with Web3 infrastructure players like EigenLayer, Base, and IoTex to deliver yield opportunities and utility for both Web2 and Web3 sectors. The focus remains on latency-sensitive, high-growth regions like Southeast Asia (SEA) and Latin America (LATAM).

“Legacy CDNs struggle to achieve dense edge coverage in SEA and LATAM,” said Salvador Gala, Co-Founder of Escape Velocity. “ARO Network is rewriting the rules of the internet.”

Join the Aronauts Movement
ARO is mobilizing early adopters through its Aronaut Pioneers Program. Participants can earn rewards by running ARO hardware or software and sharing idle resources. PreviewNet is currently live, allowing contributors to test the network, earn Jade rewards, and compete for a share of a $30,000 reward pool.

“Install it. Run it. Start earning.”

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Wavicle Data Solutions has secured three coveted Microsoft Solutions Partner specializations in the Data & AI (Azure) category, placing the firm in a rarefied tier—just 20 partners across the U.S. hold this trio of credentials. The specializations span AI Platform, Analytics, and Data Warehouse Migration, validating Wavicle’s deep technical and operational expertise in delivering enterprise-grade cloud and AI solutions on Microsoft Azure.

The advanced certifications, granted following a third-party audit by Information Security Systems International (ISSI), affirm Wavicle’s ability to implement complex architectures, ensure DevOps best practices, and deliver measurable client outcomes across AI and analytics workloads.

Demonstrated Technical Excellence Across Microsoft’s AI Stack

To earn the distinctions, Wavicle showcased real-world deployments across the Azure ecosystem, including:

• Live demos of AI-powered solutions using Azure OpenAI Service, Azure AI Studio, Azure Cognitive Services, and custom model pipelines via Azure Machine Learning. Use cases ranged from intelligent document processing to predictive analytics and generative AI chatbots.

• Full-scale enterprise deployments, integrating Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), API Management, Azure Functions, GitHub Actions, and DevOps tooling for scalable, observable, and automated operations.

• Data platform modernization from ingestion to visualization, leveraging Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI—all governed through Azure Purview.

Each solution was evaluated against Microsoft's rigorous benchmarks for architecture, security, compliance, and impact, with Wavicle mapping real customer implementations to performance metrics and innovation KPIs.

Why It Matters for Enterprises

For clients, Wavicle’s triple specialization offers more than just a badge of honor:

• Accelerated deployments that meet Microsoft standards

• Priority access to co-funding and innovation programs

• Validated delivery confidence across scalable, secure, and AI-ready cloud infrastructures

“These specializations validate our deep Azure expertise and our ability to deliver innovative, trusted, and accelerated solutions that drive real impact,” said Naveen Venkatapathi, Managing Partner at Wavicle. “Our focus is solving complex enterprise challenges with scalable Data & AI solutions.”

With this recognition, Wavicle solidifies its role as a strategic Microsoft partner for enterprises seeking to modernize their data platforms, adopt AI with confidence, and build intelligent cloud architectures that scale with business needs.

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Betsperts Deepens Its Tee Shot Into Golf With Fantasy National Acquisition

Betsperts Media & Technology Group just made a bold swing in the fantasy and sports betting space. The company has acquired Fantasy National Golf Club, a major player in golf data analytics and fantasy sports tools, from SportsHub Games Network. The acquisition aims to enhance Betsperts' own Betsperts Golf platform, effectively uniting two of the most data-driven golf communities under one digital clubhouse.

Fantasy National, known for arming its users with deep analytics, player stats, and predictive tools, has long held a dedicated following among fantasy golf players and bettors. Now, it joins forces with Betsperts to form what could be the most comprehensive golf data resource on the market.

“This acquisition marks a pivotal moment,” said Reid Rooney, CEO of Betsperts Media & Technology Group. “Fantasy National brings incredible depth of data and a highly engaged community. Integrating their tools makes Betsperts Golf a one-stop-shop for serious golf fans.”

Pat Mayo Joins the Clubhouse

Adding more firepower to the merger, well-known media personality and Fantasy National co-founder Pat Mayo is also coming aboard. Mayo, who has built a strong voice in fantasy sports and betting circles, will lead product strategy and amplify the platform’s visibility. His presence isn’t just for PR—his insights are expected to shape the direction of the merged offering and push product development in sharper, more user-centric directions.

“I’ve always been passionate about providing the best possible resources for golf fans,” said Mayo. “Joining Betsperts is a natural fit and opens up new ways we can deliver value to this community.”

A Pattern of Strategic Growth

This move isn't a one-off. It marks Betsperts' fifth acquisition as the company accelerates its vertical growth strategy. It reflects a broader trend in the sports media and betting tech landscape—own the niche, master the data, and scale through strategic rollups.

For users, that means upgraded features, deeper stats, and a more unified interface. For Betsperts, it’s about owning more real estate in the booming world of sports wagering and fantasy leagues—particularly in golf, a niche that’s quietly become a lucrative vertical for both casual bettors and hardcore DFS players.

With platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel also ramping up their golf offerings, this acquisition positions Betsperts to remain competitive, maybe even ahead, in a sector where content, community, and computing power converge.

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Comviva Ushers in New Era with AI-Driven Leadership Shakeup

Comviva, a key player in digital transformation solutions for telecom and fintech, has appointed industry veteran Manish Agrawal as its new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). The move signals a strategic push under its “Comviva 2.0” vision—focused on accelerating market growth, enhancing customer experience, and embedding AI and next-gen tech deep into its offerings.

Agrawal’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as digital platforms battle for relevance in an AI-powered economy. He will now oversee all product units, charged with unifying Comviva’s diverse portfolio—spanning customer experience management, data monetization, and digital financial services—under a more agile and intelligent operational model.

“Manish brings transformative leadership and deep domain expertise that align with our vision for customer-centric, AI-first innovation,” said Rajesh Chandiramani, Managing Director at Comviva.

AI-First, SaaS-Ready: The New Comviva Playbook

Agrawal’s mandate is clear: pivot Comviva’s core platforms toward AI-first and SaaS-ready architectures that can scale across industries and geographies. With agentic AI and automation rapidly reshaping enterprise software, Comviva is doubling down on cross-functional synergy to keep pace with market demands and client expectations.

The leadership shakeup also points to an evolving product strategy—one that emphasizes platformization, interoperability, and speed to innovation. The goal? Create smarter, more adaptive customer experiences that go beyond traditional digital transformation frameworks.

Who Is Manish Agrawal?

With 30 years of cross-industry tech experience, Agrawal has spent the last two decades at Tech Mahindra, where he held roles in business leadership, engineering, M&A, and digital consulting. Most recently, as Global Practice Head – Telecom, he helped redefine Tech Mahindra’s telecom strategy with AI-driven and SaaS-native solutions.

His background in managing large-scale transformation deals and client relationships across telecom, BFSI, and manufacturing makes him a natural fit for Comviva’s ambitions.

“Joining Comviva at this inflection point is exciting,” said Agrawal. “We aim to scale faster, innovate deeper, and deliver world-class experiences using our advanced AI and SaaS tech stack.”

What This Means for the Market

This appointment aligns with broader trends in the MarTech and fintech sectors, where AI-native platforms, data monetization, and customer experience automation are rapidly becoming table stakes. As rivals double down on similar strategies—from Salesforce’s GPT-powered tools to Adobe’s AI-infused Experience Cloud—Comviva’s move ensures it won’t be left behind in the AI arms race.

In short, Comviva is not just betting on leadership—it’s betting on transformation.

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DNA&STONE Grabs Ad Age Silver, Proving Bold Creative and Radical Empathy Still Win

In a landscape crowded with cookie-cutter campaigns and corporate-safe messaging, DNA&STONE is making a name for itself by refusing to flinch. The Seattle-based agency just took home Silver in Ad Age’s Small Agency Awards (Regional Northwest)—a major industry nod to its creative chops, strategic smarts, and meteoric rise just months after launching.

Formed earlier this year from the merger of two independent standouts—DNA and Little Hands of Stone—the new entity has wasted no time proving that when differences come together with purpose, magic happens. And apparently, the judges at Ad Age agree.

“Their growth strategies, smart expansion of capabilities and new-business acumen prove that these agencies are adapting and thriving,” said Judann Pollack, Executive Editor at Ad Age, capturing the spirit behind the win.

Not Just a Merger—A Movement

The DNA&STONE model is simple but powerful: go where the real emotions are. In a world of polished branding, they chase human truth—empathy over ego. It’s a risky approach, but the payoff is evident in both results and recognition.

In under a year, DNA&STONE has attracted an impressive client roster including BECU, Municipal Credit Union, Purina, Freshworks, and Providence Health. And they’re not just landing logos—they’re making work that resonates.

Campaigns That Cut Deep

Take “Aging is Life” for Aegis Living, or “Frends All Over” for Rover. These aren’t just clever taglines—they’re campaigns that sparked real conversations. Perhaps most powerful is “SCARY NOT SCARY QUESTION,” a suicide prevention initiative for Seattle Children’s Hospital that dared to ask what others wouldn’t—and saw engagement, awareness, and web traffic surge as a result.

This kind of emotional intelligence is no accident. Radical empathy is more than a talking point for DNA&STONE; it’s a core operating system.

“We aim to understand people and our clients better than anyone,” said Chris Witherspoon, Co-Founder of DNA&STONE. “We’ve always let the work speak for itself, but getting this kind of recognition from our peers is incredibly meaningful.”

More Than the Work: Building Inclusive Industry Futures

While the headlines are focused on campaigns, DNA&STONE is also shaping the industry from within. The agency is a founding board member of BLAC, a paid internship program for emerging Black creatives, and the creator of Project Violet, the ad world’s only mentorship program for LGBTQ+ talent.

These aren’t side projects—they’re central to the agency’s identity and proof that creative excellence and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

Why It Matters

DNA&STONE’s win reflects a broader trend in the industry: independent agencies with a clear point of view and authentic voice are winning big. In an era of in-housing, AI content churn, and fractional marketing leadership, brands want partners who can cut through the noise with truth, heart, and unflinching clarity.

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Your Home TV and Epype Join Forces to Simplify Mobile Content Sharing and Boost Viewer Reach

Your Home TV, the fast-growing OTT network known for accessible, family-friendly content, has announced a strategic partnership with Epype, a mobile-first digital engagement platform designed to simplify and amplify brand and content connectivity. The goal? To make mobile sharing as seamless as a tap—literally.

The collaboration gives Your Home TV’s content creators, brands, and marketers a powerful tool to instantly share their streaming programs, ecommerce links, offers, and contact information without the friction of traditional apps or multi-platform clutter.

“We’re introducing a streamlined solution that allows businesses to connect with customers and distribute content seamlessly,” said Sean Stockell, CEO of Your Home Digital. “That’s the genius behind Epype.”

One Tap to Share It All

Epype acts like a digital Swiss army knife—packaging images, offers, videos, social handles, and ecommerce links into one shareable mobile interface. For content creators and media partners on Your Home TV, that means their shows and promotions can now be shared instantly to audiences across the globe with a single tap—no apps, no downloads, just direct digital engagement.

This is a timely solution for brands and content distributors grappling with the fragmentation of digital platforms and the overhead of maintaining multiple engagement tools. By offering a centralized, no-code way to promote programs and offers across mobile, Epype removes complexity while maximizing reach.

“Businesses are overwhelmed by platform overload,” Stockell added. “With Epype, we’ve centralized the process and accelerated mobile sharing for everyone on our network.”

Big Reach, Low Friction

Since its 2022 launch, Your Home TV has carved out a growing niche in the OTT space with 1,100 programs, 112 million views, and global accessibility via mobile and Roku-connected TVs. Featuring short-form content across 20+ genres—from cooking to sports—the network offers both viewers and creators a cost-effective way to produce and consume streaming entertainment.

Now, with Epype embedded into its sharing infrastructure, the platform is giving creators the distribution velocity they've needed all along.

“Epype will enable Your Home TV content creators, brands, and media partners to share programs and offers in under 30 seconds,” said Steve Eastland, CEO of Epype. “No app, no hassle—just real-time engagement.”

The Broader Implications

This move reflects a growing trend among streaming and content platforms: streamlined, app-free engagement. With audiences increasingly mobile and attention-fragmented, reducing the number of steps between discovery and action is more than convenience—it’s a competitive edge.

For marketers, sales teams, and media personalities like Xen Sams, the value is obvious.

“Epype’s intuitive, mobile-first tech stack allows us to connect across all digital touchpoints while maintaining authenticity, speed, and ROI,” said Sams, host of A Moment of Xen on iHeartMedia’s 710 WOR. “It’s a game-changer.”

Mobile Is the New Media Hub

Together, Epype and Your Home TV are capitalizing on a media reality where mobile isn’t just a channel—it’s the channel. The ability to instantly share branded content, campaigns, and direct offers—without asking users to jump through hoops—is the kind of streamlined engagement that modern marketers crave.

As Epype CEO Steve Eastland puts it:

“We started by asking, what if businesses could share news, programs, or offers instantly with vast mobile audiences? With Epype, the answer is now clear—and the results are astounding.”

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Houston’s Unleaded Rebrands as PlatinumBlack to Reflect Full-Spectrum B2B Growth Capabilities

After 25 years in the B2B marketing trenches, Houston-based consultancy Unleaded is turning the page—and the name. The firm has officially rebranded as PlatinumBlack, a move that marks more than just a new logo. It’s a full-scale transformation into a growth services powerhouse, marrying deep strategic vision with hands-on execution.

The new name may sound sleek, but it comes with real substance. Inspired by platinum black—a finely powdered platinum known for its catalytic properties—the brand nods to the company’s role as a force multiplier for businesses seeking transformation.

“This rebrand builds on a history we’re incredibly proud of,” said Justin Chatigny, CMO of PlatinumBlack. “But it also supports our strategy for what’s next—helping B2B companies find better, faster paths to growth.”

From Marketing Partner to Growth Catalyst

The agency’s evolution reflects a broader shift in the B2B services space. Companies aren’t just looking for a marketing vendor—they’re looking for strategic partners who can map the big picture and get their hands dirty. PlatinumBlack is leaning into that demand, expanding its services to cover integrated strategy, marketing, and creative execution.

Founded in 2000, the firm has built a reputation for translating complex, technical industries into human-first messaging and measurable results. Its client base includes energy, manufacturing, clean tech, engineering, chemicals, professional services, private equity, and more. But this rebrand signals an ambition to not just serve these industries—but help reshape how they grow.

“Our brand lives at the convergence of strategic vision and pragmatic execution,” said Chatigny. “That’s what lasting growth requires.”

Same Team, Sharper Focus

PlatinumBlack’s team remains the same—but the vision is clearer. Executive Creative Director Erin Eby says the rebrand is less about reinvention and more about visibility.

“This rebrand doesn’t reinvent us; it showcases us more clearly,” said Eby. “We want the companies and people we serve to find us—and the real fun to begin.”

While the name may have changed, the firm’s commitment to collaboration, insight-driven strategy, and results hasn’t. What’s new is the platform, positioning, and promise: to accelerate transformation for B2B clients, end to end.

PlatinumBlack’s move mirrors a growing trend among long-standing agencies: moving from “marketing” to “growth.” In a B2B world marked by elongated sales cycles, increasingly technical products, and growing C-suite expectations, the firms that can connect vision to execution are the ones that will lead the next chapter.

With a catalytic new identity and an expanded service suite, PlatinumBlack is betting on that future—and placing itself at the center of it.

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Leap Metrics Launches AI-Powered NCQA Digital Content Services to Revolutionize HEDIS® Compliance and Close Care Gaps

Leap Metrics is raising the bar for quality measurement in healthcare, becoming one of the first companies in the U.S. to deploy NCQA-certified Digital Content Services for all HEDIS® measures. This strategic move allows healthcare organizations to rapidly adapt to evolving quality metrics while proactively closing care gaps using AI-driven tools.

At the center of this innovation is Sevida™, Leap Metrics’ proprietary platform that leverages AI agents to unify data, detect care gaps, and activate real-time workflows across care teams. By integrating NCQA’s digitized content and combining it with Sevida’s analytics engine, Leap Metrics is enabling a smarter, more agile approach to quality performance and patient outcomes.

“It’s no longer enough to report on quality; we must actively improve it,” said Srini Gorty, CEO and Founder of Leap Metrics. “By fusing NCQA-certified standards with AI, we help healthcare organizations close care gaps before they become costly problems.”

From Compliance to Proactive Care

Historically, Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) reporting has been a retrospective, manual process focused on documentation. Leap Metrics is flipping that script. Their platform now enables healthcare providers to work proactively, using real-time data pulled from EHRs, immunization registries, health information exchanges, and social determinants of health.

With NCQA’s Digital Content Services, new or updated HEDIS measures can be implemented immediately, ensuring healthcare organizations stay ahead of regulatory changes while reducing operational lag.

“This offering enables practical, flexible use of digital quality measures across the spectrum of value-based care,” said Margaret E. O’Kane, President of NCQA. “Leap Metrics’ commitment demonstrates leadership in digitized quality measurement.”

AI Agents at the Helm

The Sevida™ platform doesn't just process data—it understands it. By deploying AI agents, the system identifies clinical opportunities in real time, generates personalized recommendations, and automatically routes them to the right care team members. The goal? To reduce hospitalizations, cut down ER visits, and improve patient risk trajectories—all while boosting compliance scores.

This model also supports hybrid quality measurement, a growing priority in value-based care. Hybrid models combine clinical and administrative data for more accurate, holistic performance metrics—something Leap Metrics’ interoperability engine is built to optimize.

A Step Toward True Value-Based Care

Leap Metrics' approach aligns with industry momentum toward outcomes-based healthcare, where quality isn’t just tracked—it’s delivered. Their AI-enhanced, interoperable platform gives providers an actionable advantage in a high-stakes, rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

For health systems seeking to scale quality improvement, the Leap Metrics–NCQA partnership offers more than compliance—it offers a competitive edge.

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