Thryv Holdings, Inc., a leading small business marketing and software platform provider, has earned a place on Newsweek’s Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® for 2025. Marking its second consecutive year on the prestigious list, Thryv continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to fostering a purpose-driven, employee-first culture across its global workforce.

1. Global Recognition Reflecting Employee Sentiment

• Thryv ranked #66 on the Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® 2025 list.

• The ranking is based on employee feedback from regions including:

  • United States

  • Australia

  • Canada

  • Dominican Republic

  • New Zealand

• Recognition is powered by BPI’s Love of Workplace Index®, surveying over 2 million employees worldwide.

2. Leadership’s Commitment to Culture and Mission

• CEO Joe Walsh highlighted the importance of culture in a remote-first environment:
  “Our shared mission to help small businesses grow transcends geography and cultural boundaries.”

• Lesley Bolger, Chief Legal Officer & HR, emphasized that employee-driven culture is the foundation of Thryv’s innovation and success.

3. Evaluation Criteria and Sentiment Drivers

• Companies were evaluated across five key employee sentiment areas:

  • Future vision and growth at the company

  • Career achievement opportunities

  • Alignment of personal and company values

  • Respect at all organizational levels

  • Collaboration and teamwork

• Additional considerations included:

  • Diversity and belonging

  • Leadership quality

  • Professional development

4. Industry-Wide Movement Toward Human-Centered Leadership

• Newsweek's Global Editor in Chief, Jennifer H. Cunningham, noted a global trend toward resilience through human-centered leadership.

• The recognition signals an industry-wide shift emphasizing employee well-being and value alignment as central to business strategy.

5. Methodology Behind the Rankings

• Developed by Newsweek in partnership with Best Practice Institute (BPI).

• Rankings derived from:

  • Employee surveys

  • Executive interviews

  • Public ratings analysis

  • Written company submissions

• Finalists reflect companies that place trust, belonging, and respect at the heart of their operations.

Thryv’s appearance on Newsweek’s Global Most Loved Workplaces list for the second year in a row reflects a strong, inclusive culture rooted in purpose and employee engagement. As a remote-first, global organization, Thryv proves that its values and commitment to people can scale across borders—fueling both employee satisfaction and long-term business success.

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Germany's retail sector is navigating a turbulent landscape marked by inflation, economic uncertainty, and shifting consumer behavior. With only 22% of German retailers anticipating sales growth this year, and nearly half expecting declines, the need for strategic reinvention is more urgent than ever. However, those embracing data-driven loyalty approaches especially through L – founders of loyalty are achieving measurable gains, defying broader market trends.

1. Economic Pressure and Eroding Consumer Loyalty

• According to the German Retail Association (HDE), the retail outlook is grim:

  • Just 22% of retailers expect sales growth in 2025.

  • Nearly 50% foresee a sales decline due to inflation and policy instability.

• Consumers are shopping more frequently but with smaller baskets, driven by price sensitivity and widespread comparison shopping.

2. The Advantage of Loyalty-Led Retail Strategies

Retailers working with L – founders of loyalty are seeing positive results:

• 3.8% average global sales increase, attributed to:

  • More frequent customer visits

  • Higher transaction values

  • Greater in-store traffic

• Total Store Impact goes beyond individual product promotions, driving performance across entire assortments.

3. Total Store Impact: A Holistic Loyalty Framework

L’s Total Store Impact approach offers key benefits:

• Direct revenue lift: Campaigns lead to measurable, short-term sales growth.

• Long-term brand building: Emotional engagement and value-driven interactions strengthen customer relationships.

• Data and AI-driven insights:

  • Predictive analytics for smarter decision-making

  • Behavioral segmentation to target campaigns more precisely

  • Operational improvements through data-led planning

4. Addressing the Loyalty Crisis in Retail

• Traditional promotions are becoming ineffective as consumers chase the best price across multiple channels.

• Retailers need a unified, data-led loyalty strategy that can activate an entire store’s value proposition.

• The focus shifts from isolated campaigns to sustainable engagement across touchpoints.

5. Global Perspective with Local Relevance

• L – founders of loyalty partners with leading global retailers to solve loyalty fragmentation.

• By combining international experience with local retail nuances, L delivers scalable, impactful solutions for the German market.

• Their latest efforts include:

  • A redesigned website showcasing thought leadership

  • Engagement at the upcoming Consumer Goods Forum (CGF)

As German retailers grapple with shrinking margins and fickle customer loyalty, those leveraging data-driven loyalty strategies stand apart. L – founders of loyalty’s Total Store Impact model offers a proven framework to not only weather economic headwinds but also build sustainable brand equity and profitable growth. In a market defined by volatility, strategic loyalty initiatives are becoming essential tools for competitive advantage.

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As Instagram continues to dominate the social media landscape, brands, influencers, and entrepreneurs are seeking smarter ways to grow their presence. However, many solutions rely on bots, fake engagement, and black-hat tactics that can jeopardize credibility and violate platform policies. Hexrate, a next-generation growth platform, is challenging that norm with an ethical, AI-driven, and human-powered approach. Designed for long-term success, Hexrate empowers users to grow authentically—aligned with Instagram’s rules and focused on building real connections.

1. The Problem with Traditional Growth Tactics

• Many Instagram growth services use bots or fake accounts to inflate metrics.

• These methods often:

  • Violate Instagram’s terms of service.

  • Deliver temporary spikes with no real engagement.

  • Risk account bans or shadowbans.

• Hexrate’s promise: No shortcuts, no bots, just genuine growth.

2. The Hexrate Difference: Core Values and Mission

• Mission: To revolutionize Instagram growth through ethical, transparent, and sustainable solutions.

• Everything Hexrate offers is compliant with Instagram’s policies and designed to build real community connections, not vanity metrics.

3. What Makes Hexrate Unique?

Ethical AI-Powered Targeting

• Uses smart algorithms to:

  • Analyze relevant hashtags, geolocations, and behavioral data.

  • Identify real users who are genuinely likely to engage with your content.

  • Eliminate random or irrelevant targeting.

Human-Driven Engagement

• A real team manages personalized interactions:

  • Likes, follows, DMs, and comments—all done manually.

  • Builds trust with potential followers and encourages organic engagement.

Full-Spectrum Growth Services

• Followers, likes, comments, and views tailored to your specific niche.

• A live dashboard shows:

  • Engagement rates.

  • Reach and impression analytics.

  • Growth over time.

Complete Transparency and Control

• No hidden tactics or locked-in contracts.

• Users can:

  • Monitor real-time performance.

  • Adjust strategies instantly based on data insights.

  • Choose pricing plans that suit their goals and budget.

4. How Hexrate Works

AI-Powered Audience Analysis

• Your brand or profile is assessed based on:

  • Demographics

  • Hashtag strategy

  • Competitor data

  • Engagement behaviors

Human-Centric Outreach

• Manual interaction strategies ensure:

  • Authenticity in engagement.

  • Conversations that convert.

  • Higher quality followers who care about your content.

Custom Campaigns

• Campaigns are goal-oriented:

  • Whether you're after followers, engagement, or conversions, Hexrate adapts to your objectives.

Full Transparency and Analytics

• All actions and results are:

  • Logged on a live dashboard.

  • Visible in easy-to-understand analytics.

100% Compliance with Instagram

• Avoids automation risks and aligns with platform policies.

• Ensures safe growth, protecting your long-term brand reputation.

Hexrate isn’t just another Instagram growth tool. It’s a strategic partner for brands, influencers, and small businesses who want to grow the right way. By merging the precision of AI with the nuance of human interaction, Hexrate delivers measurable, authentic, and lasting results—without the shortcuts that put accounts at risk. For anyone serious about building a meaningful Instagram presence, Hexrate is the ethical growth platform of the future.

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WhatsApp has rapidly evolved into a vital communication channel for global businesses. With over 2 billion active users, it offers unmatched reach and real-time engagement. However, leveraging its power at scale often involves navigating complex APIs and clunky tools. WANotifier, a WhatsApp marketing SaaS platform built on the official WhatsApp API, is changing that narrative. Recently selected for the TinySeed EMEA Fall 2024 accelerator, WANotifier is now poised to enhance its product, scale its operations, and bring seamless WhatsApp automation to small businesses worldwide.

1. WANotifier: The Mission Behind the Platform

• Founded in 2022 with the goal of simplifying WhatsApp marketing and automation for businesses.

• Built on Meta’s official WhatsApp API, offering reliability and compliance.

• Serves thousands of businesses globally—from educational institutions to luxury retail brands.

2. Official Meta Tech Partner with a Transparent Model

• 0% API markup policy — businesses pay only for WhatsApp usage without hidden charges.

• Offers two flexible onboarding paths:

  • A managed embedded sign-up for ease.

  • Self-configuration for advanced users and developers.

• Unlike clunky platforms, WANotifier is focused on a clean, intuitive UX tailored for marketers.

3. TinySeed Backing: Fuel for Product and Market Expansion

• TinySeed is a prestigious accelerator focused on bootstrapped, sustainable SaaS startups.

• WANotifier’s inclusion in the Fall 2024 EMEA batch marks a milestone — it's the only Indian company in this cohort.

• Founder Ram Shengale’s vision:

  “Help businesses market at scale on WhatsApp—without adding to the inherent complexity of the API.”

4. Product Development Goals and Competitive Edge

• Current development priorities:

  • Feature parity with larger competitors.

  • Building a robust dev team to accelerate releases.

• Aims to balance scalability and simplicity—avoiding bloated software that slows down users.

• Enhanced focus on user-centric design, enabling both small teams and larger marketing departments.

5. Strong Market Adoption and Trusted Clients

• Trusted by global names such as:

  • BITS Pilani (Education)

  • ISKCON (Non-Profit)

  • Dog Home Foundation (Animal Welfare)

  • Bvlgari Casablanca (Luxury Retail)

  • Mega Events UK (Event Management)

• Real-world use cases demonstrate WANotifier’s versatility across industries.

6. Strategic Roadmap Ahead

• Post-TinySeed plans include:

  • Targeted marketing campaigns for high-growth sectors.

  • Building partnerships in key EMEA and APAC regions.

  • Expanding customer support and onboarding assistance for non-technical users.

WANotifier is redefining how businesses connect with customers via WhatsApp. By joining TinySeed’s EMEA Fall 2024 cohort, the company gains access to elite mentorship, funding, and a like-minded SaaS founder community. With its focus on usability, transparency, and real engagement—not gimmicks—WANotifier is well-positioned to become the go-to WhatsApp marketing platform for small businesses globally. As it builds out new features and expands its market reach, the startup is staying true to its founding ethos: simplify WhatsApp marketing while scaling its impact.

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Data is the cornerstone of modern decision-making across sectors from market research to artificial intelligence. Yet, as data collection expands, so do concerns around quality, bias, and reliability. Research For Good (RFG), a pioneer in people data, addresses these challenges head-on with its latest innovation: QuIP (Quality Interception Point). Built on the foundation of RFG’s DataForce platform, QuIP is an AI-powered solution that redefines the way organizations ensure data quality across market research, AI development, and large language model (LLM) training.

1. What Is QuIP?

• QuIP is an AI-powered quality control solution designed to intercept low-quality or misaligned data at the point of collection.

• It enhances accuracy, relevance, and trustworthiness of data used across sectors like:

  • Market research

  • Customer insights

  • AI training datasets

  • Large Language Model development

2. A New Benchmark in Data Quality

• According to RFG, QuIP has reduced their data rejection rate to 3–4x lower than the industry average.

• This directly translates to:

  • Reduced resource waste

  • Faster insights delivery

  • Increased confidence in downstream analytics and model training

3. How QuIP Works

• Persona-Driven Interception: Uses in-depth respondent profiles to match participants to research or AI training needs more effectively.

• Adaptive Algorithms: Machine learning dynamically filters out low-quality responses in real time.

• Human-AI Collaboration: The tool respects and protects participant identity while leveraging AI to increase data rigor.

4. The Foundation: DataForce Platform Integration

• QuIP is embedded within RFG’s DataForce participant recruitment engine, ensuring that data quality begins before survey or input collection starts.

• This integration guarantees:

  • Better participant targeting

  • Higher response relevance

  • Fewer false positives in data sets

5. Industry Impact Across Disciplines

• Market Research: Brands and agencies gain faster, more reliable insights for product and campaign decisions.

• AI Developers: Cleaner training data for more accurate models, including LLMs.

• Academia & Policy Research: Better respondent alignment improves validity and replicability.

• Customer Experience (CX): Ensures feedback loops are based on true customer sentiment, not noise.

6. Thought Leadership from RFG

• Rich Silva, President at RFG, emphasizes:

“QuIP represents a transformative step forward… We’re addressing a critical challenge while respecting the human providing their data.”

In an age where data drives everything from brand strategies to AI decisions, QuIP emerges as a timely and essential innovation. RFG is setting a new industry standard by addressing the long-standing pain points of data quality, relevance, and participant fit. With QuIP, researchers and developers can operate with renewed confidence in their inputs—whether building a model, launching a product, or understanding human behavior. This AI-powered leap not only enhances efficiency but also respects the people behind the data, ensuring ethical and meaningful progress in data science.

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As the lines between entertainment, finance, and technology continue to blur, LiveOne is strategically evolving to stay ahead. The creator-first, music and entertainment platform has announced the appointment of Steve McClurg—a renowned figure in crypto, tokenization, and capital markets—as Chief Advisor. This move signals LiveOne’s commitment to pushing deeper into digital asset innovation, expanding podcast monetization, and bridging the gap between institutional finance and creator ecosystems.

1. Why Steve McClurg and Why Now?

• McClurg is the CEO of Canary Capital and a recognized authority in:

  • Blockchain and crypto innovation

  • Institutional financial strategy

  • Token-based business models

• His advisory role marks a strategic inflection point for LiveOne as it looks to:

  • Integrate digital asset technologies

  • Monetize podcast content using blockchain-based platforms

  • Appeal to institutional investors seeking innovative entertainment assets

2. CEO Vision: Scaling Creatorship Through Crypto

• Robert Ellin, Chairman and CEO of LiveOne, emphasized McClurg’s dual expertise:

“His track record in both traditional finance and crypto is unmatched... He’ll help us enter digital markets more aggressively.”

• McClurg will guide:

  • Development of new revenue models

  • Potential crypto-based creator incentive programs

  • Tokenization of podcast and music assets

3. Strategic Goals of the Appointment

• Digital Asset Innovation:

  • Exploring NFTs, creator tokens, and new monetization layers

  • Building infrastructure for transparent royalties and licensing

• Institutional Market Integration:

  • Structuring creator content as investable products

  • Attracting funding and partnerships from traditional capital markets

• Monetization of PodcastOne Assets:

  • Aligning monetization with blockchain for micro-transactions

  • Creating long-tail value from archived content

4. About LiveOne: A Creator-First Entertainment Powerhouse

• LiveOne’s ecosystem includes:

  • Slacker, PodcastOne (Nasdaq: PODC), PPVOne, LiveXLive, DayOne Music Publishing

  • Platforms accessible via iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Spotify, and more

• Its strategy emphasizes:

  • Creator monetization

  • Live and virtual events

  • Streaming + content syndication

5. Forward-Looking Strategy: Tech Meets Entertainment

• McClurg’s appointment suggests LiveOne is not just a media company, but a tech-forward platform preparing for the next era of:

  • Decentralized media ownership

  • Creator token economies

  • AI-enhanced distribution and revenue modeling

• Future initiatives could include:

  • Blockchain-based membership models

  • Web3-powered event ticketing

  • Partnerships with crypto-native platforms

LiveOne’s appointment of Steve McClurg is more than a leadership addition it’s a strategic signal. As the company scales its presence in digital entertainment, the integration of crypto, tokenization, and capital market expertise positions LiveOne to redefine how creator content is produced, monetized, and owned. With McClurg on board, LiveOne is now equipped to navigate and lead in the convergence of entertainment and Web3, setting the tone for the future of content platforms in a decentralized world.

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In a competitive and fast-evolving lending market, ARDRI is distinguishing itself with a technology-first approach to Non-QM and business-purpose lending. At the heart of its brand and digital transformation is Julio Zambrana, who joined the company in December as Vice President of Marketing. With a legacy of delivering high-impact marketing strategies across top financial institutions, Zambrana is now helping shape ARDRI’s identity and growth trajectory in a pivotal phase of its evolution.

1. A Veteran in Financial Marketing

• With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing for the financial services industry, Julio’s credentials include:

  • Option One Mortgage (started in 1996)

  • First American Financial

  • AmeriHome Mortgage

• His strategic focus blends:

  • Digital innovation

  • Customer-centric messaging

  • Brand positioning for modern lending solutions

2. Strategic Focus at ARDRI

• Julio is tasked with building a best-in-class marketing ecosystem that amplifies ARDRI’s core value: simplifying Non-QM lending through smart technology.

• Core goals:

  • Build a cohesive brand experience across all digital touchpoints

  • Empower brokers through transparent, effective communication

  • Position ARDRI as a trusted, modern lender in the Non-QM space

3. Combining Tech + Human-Centric Messaging

• Zambrana’s approach is data-driven yet emotionally intelligent:

  • Uses real-time analytics to shape marketing strategies

  • Enhances user experiences via personalization and intuitive design

• His MBA in eCommerce (2012) further bolsters his expertise in:

  • Digital channel optimization

  • Cross-platform integration

  • Scalable lead generation strategies

4. Recognition for Versatility and Impact

• Known for his hands-on leadership, Julio was awarded a companywide “Jack of All Trades” recognition at his previous role—reflecting his:

  • Cross-functional agility

  • Tactical execution abilities

  • Ability to solve complex business challenges with creative solutions

5. CEO Perspective: Marketing as a Growth Engine

• Brian O’Shaughnessy, Founder & CEO of ARDRI, underscored the critical nature of Julio’s role:

“Marketing isn’t just support—it’s a driving force behind success.”

• ARDRI’s mission is bold: to redefine Non-QM lending through:

  • Simplified digital experiences for brokers

  • Technology-backed efficiency

  • Trust-building content and communications

6. Vision for ARDRI’s Marketing Future

• According to Julio:

“We’re not just building a brand—we’re reshaping how Non-QM lending is delivered.”

• Marketing focus areas under his leadership:

  • Website optimization for usability and lead conversion

  • Omnichannel communication that educates and engages brokers

  • Clear, compelling storytelling that reinforces ARDRI’s value proposition

Julio Zambrana’s appointment as VP of Marketing comes at a pivotal time for ARDRI, as the lender looks to scale rapidly in the Non-QM space. His decades of experience, tech-savvy approach, and reputation for hands-on execution align perfectly with ARDRI’s commitment to building a simpler, smarter, and more human-centric lending experience. As ARDRI grows, its marketing foundation—anchored by Julio—will be key to making Non-QM lending not only more accessible, but also more trustworthy.

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As generative AI redefines information discovery, ProRataAI Inc. is blazing a new, ethical path with Gist.ai — the world’s first AI search engine built entirely on licensed content. In a significant milestone, ProRata announced that Gist.ai now sources information from more than 500 licensed publications, with recent partnerships including top-tier media brands such as Fast Company, New York Magazine, The Nation, Reader’s Digest, and Boston Globe Media.

This announcement reinforces ProRata’s commitment to proving that AI doesn’t need to exploit content creators to provide high-quality user experiences — and that, in fact, publishers can benefit from generative AI as a new and sustainable revenue channel.

1. A Publisher-First AI Model

• Gist.ai delivers answers using 100% licensed content, setting a new benchmark in the AI and search industry.

• Each response is based on real journalism, with full attribution and revenue-sharing for participating publishers.

• New content partners include:

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer, Newsday, Future (Tom’s Guide, Who What Wear), Vox Media, PRISA Media, and Frommer's.

2. AI That Honors Copyrights

• ProRata uses patent-pending attribution technology that:

  • Tracks which sources contribute to a response

  • Quantifies their influence

  • Calculates proportional compensation on a per-use basis

• This approach transforms AI from a copyright risk into a copyright revenue engine.

“AI-driven search does not have to be based on theft.” — Pauline Frommer, Co-President, Frommer Media LLC

3. Real Journalism Still Matters

• Frommer emphasized that AI cannot replace human experience:

“No machine can sleep in a hotel bed or taste a meal. That’s why travel journalism — and all journalism — must remain human-driven and compensated.”

• Gist.ai’s model safeguards the future of human journalism while empowering users with trustworthy, AI-enhanced answers.

4. Industry Validation from Global Leaders

• Future plc, a publishing giant with niche brands like Tom’s Guide and Homes & Gardens, joined the platform to extend its content reach:

“We’re committed to connecting audiences with expert content. Gist.ai gives us an innovative distribution platform.” — Andrew Min, VP, Global Partnerships, Future

• Vox Media, Cherry Road Media, Johns Hopkins University Press, and Spain’s news agency EFE are also now featured in Gist.ai’s growing content ecosystem.

5. Launch of ProRata Ads – Ethical Monetization Layer

• ProRata also introduced ProRata Ads, an innovative advertising solution that:

  • Places contextually relevant ads within AI answers in real time

  • Utilizes LLM-powered agents for precise targeting

  • Early results show a sharp increase in CTRs and user engagement

• This further aligns monetization with ethical content use — another move toward building a sustainable AI ecosystem for publishers.

6. Proving Generative AI Can Be Ethical, Accurate, and Profitable

• According to Bill Gross, CEO of ProRata:

"We prove that generative AI can both honor creators and deliver an outstanding user experience.”

• This “radically ethical model” is not just a differentiator — it's a requirement in a world increasingly aware of digital rights, misinformation, and journalistic sustainability.

ProRataAI’s success with Gist.ai reflects a new chapter in the evolution of generative AI — one where innovation respects intellectual property, compensates journalists fairly, and enhances information quality for users. As more top-tier publishers join the platform and features like ProRata Ads gain traction, Gist.ai is setting the gold standard for responsible AI search and monetization.

With its mission-driven vision and rapidly growing ecosystem, ProRata isn’t just redefining AI search — it’s reshaping the relationship between technology and journalism.

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