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U2U Spring Hackathon Finale: Launchpad for Web3 Startups in the Vietnam

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The first U2U Spring Hackathon ended with a display of creative tech projects from the top 10 teams. With a total prize value of up to $82,000, the participating teams not only received cash prizes but also the opportunity to join a special startup incubation program by U2U Venture Builder and a chance to receive support packages worth up to $500,000 from the U2U Network ecosystem.

Launched for the first time in 2024, the U2U Spring Hackathon quickly garnered nearly 100 applications from both domestic and international teams within a month of opening registrations. This not only highlights U2U Network’s stature but also affirms Vietnam’s position in the global Web3 community, especially in the startup and digital asset development arena.

Furthermore, the competition was sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s leading cloud computing company, providing nearly $40,000 in AWS credits. This sponsorship meant that the teams had their cloud service fees covered during product development.

The first U2U Spring Hackathon finale was held at the Saigon Innovation Hub, attended by a jury of leading experts in the Web3 field in Vietnam. Throughout the competition, a series of webinars and strategic orientation sessions for the projects were organized, culminating in the selection of the top 10 teams with exceptional technological solutions that promise to bring useful applications to life.

On March 31, 2024, the top 10 teams had the chance to present their products and technological solutions to the jury and Web3 field experts, as well as representatives from major investment funds. This segment allowed the teams to passionately convey the realistic potential of their projects.

The criteria for evaluating the projects in the finale were meticulously selected to ensure the most accurate technical assessments, as well as the usefulness and practicality of the projects in improving daily life through blockchain technology.

With four training workshops and 20 leading speakers from the blockchain field, both locally and internationally, the organizers recognized that while most teams were technologically adept, they lacked other essential skills for startup success, such as human resource management, financial management, market development, etc. At this year’s finale, Mr. Le Thai Duong, CEO of U2U Venture Builder, shared about a two-month, three-phase incubation program designed for the top 10.

– The first phase includes meetings and work sessions with experts from the U2U Network ecosystem for training in professional development skills, technological support, and expanding Web3 sector connections.

– The second phase involves direct training and practice with the ‘Entrepreneurs Mini – MBA’ program, enhancing deep operational skills for running a startup, such as planning, human resources management, market analysis, financial problem-solving, negotiation skills, and brand building.

– After completing these phases, the projects will directly receive support from the U2U Network ecosystem, with investment opportunities of up to $50,000 per project and connections to U2U Network’s angel investor network and major Web3 investment funds. This represents a significant opportunity for potential Web3 projects in Vietnam to reach a regional scale and lay a strong foundation for national technology development.

This year’s U2U Spring Hackathon finale was a marked success, showcasing teams that deeply understand market potential and the ability to apply technology to provide useful solutions for everyday life. U2U Network’s continued support for these teams post-competition is expected to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and bring valuable products not only to the Web3 community but also to the wider technology user base.

The final victory went to Nimbus, the project convincingly secured the champion position with its financial analysis tool tailored for Web3 investors. This application enables Web3 investors to easily manage their investments across various platforms, analyze data, and evaluate the potential of investments to minimize risk for users. 

The runner-up of the competition was Token Tails, a team from Lithuania with an entertainment app aimed at building community and supporting animal rescue projects. This app brings joy, relieves stress, and serves as an entertainment tool for animal lovers.

Following closely and claiming the third place was A Drop from the United Kingdom, with an application that simplifies the process of hunting for airdrops, making it easier to participate in defi through automation and the use of smart contracts.

With the success of the first U2U Spring Hackathon, U2U Venture Builder hopes to not only support the top 10 finalists but also to serve as a launchpad for Web3 startup projects in general, offering them the opportunity to scale up and become technology unicorns with the technological resources from the U2U Network ecosystem.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Eminence Capital Accelerates Expansion in the Asia-Pacific Market

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Eminence Capital LTD., a subsidiary of Mesirow, specializes in investment management, capital markets, and investment banking in the Asia-Pacific region. It also offers advisory services, including retirement planning and wealth management. Its core business includes a wide range of traditional and alternative investment strategies, utilizing advanced trading technologies and comprehensive investment analysis tools to help clients achieve higher returns with lower risk in global markets. Eminence Capital’s goal is to provide convenient investment channels for global clients, especially as the Asia-Pacific region becomes a focal point for international investors.

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Mesirow, a privately held financial services firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is employee-owned, with 100% of its voting shares held by employees. Mesirow provides services in investment management, capital markets, wealth management, and investment banking. Founded in 1937, Mesirow has established a strong reputation in the financial industry and operates offices in 21 cities worldwide.

Mesirow’s investment banking division offers sell-side advisory, corporate divestitures, buy-side advisory, private placements, debt advisory, and capital restructuring services. The company focuses on serving institutional investors, public sector entities, and broker-dealers. Its private equity division has invested in private equity markets on behalf of various institutional and high-net-worth clients. Mesirow is committed to global growth, carefully monitoring global financial market dynamics, expanding its international outlook, and actively seeking opportunities in emerging markets. The firm is dedicated to building core competencies in financial markets and providing informed decision-making support to global investors.

As a subsidiary of Mesirow, Eminence Capital LTD. will take full responsibility for strategic direction in the Asia-Pacific region. It has successfully completed the filing process with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), obtaining an exemption from securities sales regulations. This compliance certificate ensures that the company can operate within a flexible capital market framework, allowing it to quickly respond to market opportunities while maintaining adherence to financial regulations, thereby enhancing its competitiveness in global capital markets.

In recent years, the Asia-Pacific region has garnered global attention due to its economic vitality and technological innovation, attracting increasing international capital. Eminence Capital recognizes this potential and is committed to providing a bridge for global investors to access the Asia-Pacific capital markets. With a deep understanding of the region’s complexities and opportunities, Eminence Capital offers tailored financial solutions through localized operations, making it an ideal partner for both local and international investors.

Through Eminence Capital, Mesirow’s entry into the Asia-Pacific market supports its broader global expansion strategy, enabling clients to achieve global asset allocation and portfolio diversification. This strategy not only brings greater global investment opportunities to the Asia-Pacific market but also provides global investors access to this rapidly growing region. Eminence Capital delivers competitive services and solutions to both individual and institutional investors.

Eminence Capital’s advanced trading system allows clients to swiftly adapt to global market changes, improving transaction speed and efficiency. The system enables clients to benefit from significant price advantages and flexibly adjust their investment strategies with 24/7 support. Additionally, Eminence Capital offers a free customer relationship management (CRM) system and a suite of investment analysis tools, making portfolio management and transaction reporting more convenient and efficient.

Moreover, Eminence Capital’s platform not only focuses on expanding investment opportunities but also aims to optimize trade execution and reduce investment costs. Its technology platform allows institutional investors to access global markets at highly competitive costs while benefiting from efficient and transparent settlement services. This makes Eminence Capital a top choice for global investors, particularly in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market.

Through Eminence Capital’s global expansion and localized operations, Mesirow has strengthened its ties with global capital markets, further reinforcing its leadership in the financial services industry. This strategic partnership will drive Mesirow’s and its subsidiaries’ growth in global markets, laying a solid foundation for continued success in the future.

Eminence Capital LTD.’s innovative trading platform and financial services offer significant convenience to investors, serving as an important gateway to global capital markets. As the Asia-Pacific market continues to mature, Eminence Capital will maintain its pivotal role in the region, combining global and localized strategies to offer professional and efficient financial services to both global and regional investors.

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New Action-Packed Thriller “Christmas in Havana” Explores Love and Loyalties Amidst International Intrigue

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Centreville, VA – Christmas in Havana, the gripping third installment of Stephen Hiemstra’s Masquerade series, is now available. Combining political intrigue, action, and romance, Hiemstra’s latest novel dives deep into the complexities of love and loyalty in the face of personal grief and international crisis.

Luke Stevens, a CIA agent working undercover as a pastor, finds himself haunted by his ex-wife’s death as he eulogizes her. Just when Luke is ready to move forward, North Korean law student Ruth Chǔ (Yong Dae Chû) enters his life. She is secretly entangled in a dangerous game of espionage, working as a courier for North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) to support her family. Both Luke and Ruth must navigate their complicated pasts and present loyalties, all while international tensions threaten to boil over.

When China’s plan to invade Taiwan comes to light, with Cuba playing a key role in the diversionary attacks, Luke and Ruth are thrown into a whirlwind of danger. The novel raises the stakes with rogue operatives, international betrayal, and a contract placed on Luke’s life. Despite the chaos surrounding them, Luke and Ruth form a bond, quietly supporting each other as they face impossible choices.

Hiemstra’s skillful writing combines fast-paced action with thoughtful character development. Readers are treated to rapid-fire dialogue and a suspenseful plot that turns on a dime, keeping them on the edge of their seats. As Luke and Ruth struggle with their own personal dilemmas, Hiemstra skillfully weaves in commentary on international politics, hinting at larger global consequences and political missteps.

Praise for Christmas in Havana

“Having traveled to Havana, I can attest to the city’s rich history and intrigue, and Stephen Hiemstra captures this perfectly. Christmas in Havana is a thrilling read filled with action and suspense.”

— Percy M. Burns, Author of Glorious Freedom

“Stephen Hiemstra guides readers through a captivating adventure that reflects life itself, blending action and emotion with ease. Christmas in Havana is a fascinating story of love, loyalty, and survival.”

— Julio Martinez, Senior Pastor, Shadai Phoenix Church

“Christmas in Havana is a powerful conclusion to Hiemstra’s trilogy. It’s a fast-moving drama full of romance, action, and spiritual reflection.”

— Sharron Giambanco, Business Owner and Writer

About the Author

Stephen W. Hiemstra (MDiv, PhD) is a husband, father, and writer with a passion for Christian spirituality and ministry. After a 27-year career as an economist with the U.S. government, Hiemstra transitioned into ministry, serving as a pastor and writer. He has published numerous books, including Called Along the Way and A Christian Guide to Spirituality, and writes regularly on his blog. Stephen holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University.

For more information and to sign up for Stephen’s newsletter,

Visit www.stephenwhiemstra.net

Contact Information:

Contact Person : Stephen W. Hiemstra

Email: t2pneuma@gmail.com

Blog: https://t2pneuma.net

Books: https://t2pneuma.com

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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A Darkly Comic Journey into the Absurd with Slaphappy by Dug Brown

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Dug Brown’s latest novel, Slaphappy, is a hilariously eccentric and daringly unpredictable tale that dives deep into the absurdities of human nature, morality, and the chaotic pursuit of fame. Set in a morally decaying society, Slaphappy follows the life of Bruiser, the irreverent host of the Atlanta-based internet game show Greed, where contestants are enticed to sacrifice their moral values for cash rewards.

This bold novel blends dark humor with elements of New Age smut, bringing readers a unique genre mashup that explores the fringes of human desires and moral boundaries. The novel takes an unexpected turn when Bruiser encounters Bootleg, a mysterious transient, during a show taping. After receiving a handful of change from Bootleg, Bruiser wakes up three days later with an uncanny ability: he can heal people by slapping them. What follows is a bizarre and darkly humorous journey across the country, as Bruiser embarks on a slap-fueled healing tour, raising questions about his sanity and whether his newfound power is a curse or a blessing.

 As Bruiser slaps his way through moral dilemmas, addictions, and a deep-seated disdain for humanity, the novel explores complex themes, including the savior complex, societal decay, and the human obsession with finding heroes in the most unlikely places. His bizarre journey is further complicated by his growing relationship with Vanessa, his new producer, who sees the entertainment potential in his powers, yet senses a deeper purpose behind his strange gift.

Brown’s writing, reminiscent of satirists like Philip Roth and Ishmael Reed, takes readers on a thought-provoking, surreal, and often darkly comedic ride. Through Bruiser’s exploits, Slaphappy satirizes reality TV, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the fine line between good and evil. 

Praise for Slaphappy

Slaphappy challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs, fears, and anxieties through a blend of ultra-black humor, vivid surrealism, and characters who exist on the fringes of society. Bruiser’s story, while outlandish, embodies the darkest fears and desires of the modern world, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

With its irreverent tone and unpredictable twists, Slaphappy is a must-read for fans of dark comedy, New Age smut, and unconventional storytelling. Dug Brown’s unique voice, honed by years of bartending and transcendent spiritual practices, brings a raw, authentic edge to the novel, blending satire with a profound commentary on human nature.

Slaphappy is now available for purchase and promises to take readers on a wild, unforgettable journey.

Contact Information:

Contact Person: Dug Brown

Website: www.dugbrown.com

Email: dugbrown3@gmail.com

Dug Brown has spent most of his life observing humanity from behind a bar, where much of his dialogue and perspective on human nature was shaped. A Reiki master and Johrei practitioner, Brown brings a transcendental perspective to his writing. Having studied film in Los Angeles, Brown worked as a screenwriter before venturing into documentary filmmaking and eventually returning to the South. Slaphappy is part of a broader library of thought-provoking novels that aim to take readers from the darkness of human experience into the light of a new generation.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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