MIAMI, FL, Dec. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) (“Net Element” or the “Company”), a global financial technology and value-added solutions group that supports electronic payments acceptance in an omni-channel environment spanning across point-of-sale (POS), e-commerce and mobile devices, today announces the launch of a blockchain-focused business unit.
The new business unit is expected to become a decentralized crypto-based ecosystem that will act as a framework for an unlimited number of value-added services (“VAS”) that can connect merchants and consumers directly utilizing blockchain technology while increasing the economic efficiency of all transactions being made within the ecosystem. Net Element has partnered with Bunker Capital to develop and deploy blockchain technology-based solutions.
In addition, the blockchain-focused business unit intends to identify and invest into unique projects which decentralize and disrupt the payment processing industry by combining blockchain technology and real world applications with talented development teams, strong fundamentals and large addressable markets.
According to CoinMarketCap, cryptocurrencies’ total market values have increased from $17.7 billion to over $600 billion in 2017, which indicates the rising interest in adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
“We believe that we’re at the dawn of a new evolution where additional digital payment methods are being introduced,” commented Oleg Firer, CEO of Net Element. “Introduction of our division focused on blockchain as part of the NASDAQ-listed entity will add transparency and compliance assurance to our investors as well as provide access to deploy value-added services to over 20 million electronic commerce clients that are currently part of Net Element’s growing network.”
“Bunker Capital looks forward to working with Net Element and it’s very competent and energetic team to develop new blockchain solutions for the payment services industry,” commented Remy Jacobson, Chairman and CEO of Bunker Capital.
About Bunker Capital
Bunker Capital is an industry leader with blockchain and cryptocurrency pioneers at its helm. Bunker Capital provides services to prepare, promote and market ICOs. Bunker’s senior staff is a well-rounded team of experts in the areas of blockchain, cryptocurrency, mining, software development and investment banking. Further information is available at www.bunkercapital.com.
About Net Element
Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) operates a payments-as-a-service transactional and value-added services platform for small to medium enterprise ("SME") in the US and selected emerging markets. In the US it aims to grow transactional revenue by innovating SME productivity services such as its cloud based, restaurant and retail point-of-sale solution Aptito. Internationally, Net Element's strategy is to leverage its omni-channel platform to deliver flexible offerings to emerging markets with diverse banking, regulatory and demographic conditions such as UAE, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan where initiatives have been recently launched. Net Element was named in 2016 by South Florida Business Journal as one of the fastest growing technology companies. Further information is available at www.netelement.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Net Element and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, whether the Net Element’s blockchain technology will be adopted by the Company’s merchants and consumers, whether the new business unit will be successful in it endeavors to identify and invest into relevant projects and whether investment into blockchain ecosystem will positively impact the Company. Additional examples of such risks and uncertainties are: (i) Net Element's ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Net Element's ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with users of its payment processing services; (iii) Net Element's ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Net Element's ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Net Element's business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Net Element's business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Net Element's business; (x) Net Element's ability to protect its intellectual property; (xi) local, industry and general business and economic conditions; (xii) adverse effects of potentially deteriorating U.S.-Russia relations, including, without limitation, over a conflict related to Ukraine, including a risk of further U.S. government sanctions or other legal restrictions on U.S. businesses doing business in Russia. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Net Element with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Net Element anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Net Element assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law.