Profitability Continues to Solidify, with Shareholder Returns Further Enhanced

In 2025, the Company achieved full-year operating revenue of approximately RMB 164.89 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.63% and reaching a record high; net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company amounted to approximately RMB 5.96 billion, further consolidating the profitability scale. Driven by dual growth in revenue and profit, the Company has moved beyond its investment phase and entered a stage of high-quality value realization.

While achieving profitable growth, the Company is actively rewarding its shareholders. The Board of Directors proposed a cash dividend of RMB 8.0 per 10 shares (tax-inclusive), with a total proposed cash dividend of approximately RMB 1.9 billion. Robust profitability coupled with a sound shareholder return mechanism validates the continuous improvement of the Company’s financial fundamentals and conveys the Group's clear commitment to sharing growth and benefits with its shareholders.

AITO Leads the Premium Market as Its Brand Influence Continues to Surge

In terms of business operations, Seres maintained overall sound operating momentum along the principal track of premium intelligent electric vehicles. In 2025, the Company’s NEV sales reached 472,300 units, up 10.63% year-on-year; among which, the AITO brand delivered 426,000 units throughout the year, capturing a market share of over 20% in the premium NEV SUV segment.

Several flagship models of the AITO brand delivered outstanding market performance. AITO M9 recorded annual sales of over 110,000 units, winning the annual sales championship in the RMB 500,000+ price segment luxury vehicle market. AITO M8 achieved annual sales of over 150,000 units, leading the RMB 400,000+ price segment models since its launch in April; AITO M7 registered annual sales of over 110,000 units. During the Reporting Period, the net promoter score (NPS) of the AITO brand ranked first in the industry for consecutive periods, and AITO became the best-selling Chinese luxury automobile brand in the domestic market in 2025.

The brand’s influence continues to expand. AITO was selected for the China Media Group (CMG)’s 2025 “Brand Power Project” and made its third appearance at the CMG Spring Festival Gala; the AITO M9 was exhibited at the National Museum of China, as the sole NEV featured in the Exhibition of Achievements in Made-in-China during the 14th Five-Year Plan Period. In 2025, AITO solidified its position within the first-tier of premium NEV brands.

Continuous Upgrades to Technology Platforms: A Comprehensive Lead in Intelligent Capabilities

In 2025, the Company unveiled the MF Platform 2.0, further enhancing R&D efficiency and the competitiveness of its underlying architecture, thereby laying a solid foundation for the rapid iteration of multiple vehicle models. In the intelligent powertrain sector, the Company completed the development of the 5th-generation 2.0T Super REX System. In 2025, its market share in range extenders reached 37.5%, ranking first in the industry and establishing its leading position in the extended-range technology route.

In 2025, AITO accumulated an additional 3.8 billion kilometers in intelligent assisted driving mileage. During the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday, the proportion of intelligent assisted driving mileage for the AITO M9 reached 51.9%, indicating that users have developed a strong reliance on the assisted driving system in high-frequency scenarios.

Through sustained and high-level R&D investment, the Company has built a formidable technological moat integrating both software and hardware, providing a solid technology bedrock for the AITO brand’s premiumization and globalization.

Looking ahead, the Company stated that it will continue to adhere to its Blockbuster Flagship Product Strategy and consolidate its leading position in the premium market, and plans to steadily advance its global expansion with a focus on the Middle East and Central Asian markets. Furthermore, the Company will actively deepen the implementation of innovative “AI Plus” businesses to cultivate new momentum for long-term development.

OTTAWA, ON --(ACN Newswire - April 9, 2026) -  Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Joint Product Development Agreement ("JPDA") with Forge Nano Inc. ("Forge Nano"), a leading U.S. based semiconductor equipment and advanced materials company pioneering Atomic Layer Deposition ("ALD") technology for AI-era chip manufacturing and defense battery applications, to evaluate ALD coating technology on natural graphite sourced from the Company's Lac Knife project ("Lac Knife" or the "Project") in Quebec.

This focused development program is designed to generate near-term performance data on ALD-coated natural graphite, with results expected to inform future scale-up, customer engagement, commercial off-takes, and funding pathways. The work targets improved cycle life, fast charging performance, and durability under demanding operating conditions, areas that are becoming increasingly important across battery, industrial, and defence applications.

Key Highlights

• Joint product development program with Forge Nano to evaluate ALD-coated natural graphite
• Approximately 2 kilograms of Lac Knife graphite to be processed and evaluated across multiple coating conditions
• Program designed to generate performance data for battery applications, including improving cycle life, fast charging capability, and material stability
• Results to support future pilot programs, funding applications, scale-up decisions, and downstream engagement

Program Overview and Strategic Rationale

The JPDA establishes a structured proof-of-concept program to evaluate ALD coating on Focus Graphite's high-grade natural graphite.

Under the agreement, Focus will supply uncoated graphite from Lac Knife, and Forge Nano will perform coating, analytical testing, and electrochemical evaluation.

The objective is to determine whether ALD can serve as a viable alternative to conventional pitch coating, which remains the industry standard but is energy intensive and dependent on fossil fuel inputs.

In addition to potential cost and environmental considerations, the program is designed to evaluate performance under real-world conditions. Modern battery systems are increasingly required to operate under fast charging, repeated cycling, and variable temperature environments, all of which can accelerate material degradation. Surface-level engineering, where many of these failure mechanisms originate, is emerging as a key lever to improve performance.

"Performance gains in next-generation batteries are increasingly unlocked at the surface level," said Jason Latkowcer, VP Corporate Development at Focus Graphite. "By combining Lac Knife's high-grade graphite with Forge Nano's atomic layer deposition platform, we are evaluating how atomic-scale coatings can improve battery life, charging performance, and durability. This collaboration is a step toward positioning this material for higher-performance roles within North American energy and defence supply chains."

Why Forge Nano

Forge Nano brings a differentiated platform based on Atomic Armor™ ALD, a precision coating process that modifies materials at the atomic scale to enhance performance at the surface level.

This approach enables highly uniform coatings that can improve cycle life, enhance rate capability, and increase material stability under demanding conditions. These attributes are increasingly important across battery, industrial, and defence applications where reliability, performance consistency, and energy efficiency are critical.

Forge Nano's broader platform also includes its subsidiary, Forge Battery, which is advancing a 3 GWh per year U.S.-based lithium-ion manufacturing facility supported by over US $100 million in Department of Energy funding. The facility is focused on producing high-performance, domestically manufactured battery cells for defence and niche mobility markets, further reinforcing the relevance of advanced material technologies within North American supply chains.

By working with Forge Nano at this stage, Focus Graphite is evaluating whether these performance enhancements can be achieved using natural graphite from Lac Knife, supporting the development of higher-value graphite products aligned with evolving market requirements.

Expected Outcomes and Next Steps

The primary deliverable from this phase is a comprehensive data package that will support:

• Follow-on pilot-scale development programs
• Engagement with battery manufacturers and downstream partners
• Applications for non-dilutive funding and strategic support

This initial phase is intended to establish a technical and economic basis for advancement toward kilogram-scale production and future pilot programs, subject to successful results.

If validated, future development may include scaling the process using Forge Nano's manufacturing systems, increased graphite supply, and expanded battery validation, including application-specific testing.

As previously announced on December 8, 2025, the Company formalized a funding agreement of up to $14,062,500 in non-repayable contributions under NRCan's Global Partnerships Initiative ("GPI"). The GPI funding is specifically intended to support the development and demonstration of electro-thermal purification technology in Canada. Insights generated from this program are expected to inform downstream processing opportunities, including coating and material enhancement processes, which may be evaluated for integration into future development stages, subject to successful results.

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Richard Pearce, PE, President of Brasil Insight Capital LLC., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI-43-101.

About Forge Nano Inc.

Forge Nano is a leading U.S. based semiconductor equipment and advanced materials company pioneering Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology for AI-era chip manufacturing and defense battery applications via its platform technology, Atomic Armor. Atomic Armor is a scalable, adaptable nano-scale coating system that strengthens America's most critical systems - at the atomic level. The superior surface coatings produced by our Atomic Armor™ process allow our partners to unlock peak performance. Learn more at https://www.forgenano.com.

About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.

Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries.

Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining – we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.

Our commitment to innovation ensures an eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals – reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.

For more information on Focus Graphite Inc., please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/
X: https://x.com/focusgraphite

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the anticipated scope, timing and completion of the Joint Product Development Agreement with Forge Nano; the expected processing and evaluation of Lac Knife graphite using Atomic Layer Deposition ("ALD") coating technology; the generation and timing of performance data related to cycle life, fast charging capability, and material durability; the potential for ALD coating to serve as a viable alternative to conventional coating methods; the use of program results to support future pilot-scale development, scale-up decisions, funding applications, and engagement with downstream partners; and the Company's plans and objectives for advancing value-added graphite products and downstream processing opportunities.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291705

Among the many emerging brands, TOP TOY targets Gen Z consumers, family customers, and loyal brand fans as its core audience. Backed by a diverse product portfolio, robust IP operation capabilities, and strong financial performance, it is widely recognized in the market as an industry benchmark in the pop toy sector with both high growth potential and significant brand influence. According to Frost & Sullivan, TOP TOY is the largest and fastest-growing pop toy multi-brand store chain in China, with GMV reaching RMB4.2 billion in mainland China in 2025.

Financially, TOP TOY has achieved rapid revenue growth in recent years. Revenue rose from RMB1.461 billion in 2023 to RMB3.587 billion in 2025, representing a CAGR of 56.7%, marking a leap forward in scale. Gross margin improved steadily from 31.4% in 2023 to 32.1% in 2025, reflecting a gradual uplift in overall profitability. Affected by one-off non-cash items such as equity-settled share-based payment expenses and fair value changes on redemption liabilities liabilities, the Company posted a net profit of RMB101 million in 2025. Adjusted net profit reached RMB523 million, up 77.5% year-on-year, demonstrating strong growth momentum.

Full Value Chain Layout: Building Competitive Moats in the Pop Toy Industry

The core competitiveness of the pop toy industry lies not only in IP creation, but also in the ability to turn content into a sustainable business system that maximizes IP value. What makes TOP TOY unique is that it has built an integrated platform covering all key links of the industry value chain. TOP TOY is one of only two brands in the industry that have achieved full coverage of the pop toy full industry chain, from IP incubation and operation to direct consumer interaction, while holding a leading position across the entire chain. This allows the Company to build a distinctive competitive moat.

In the IP incubation and product R&D stage, TOP TOY focuses on self-developed products and adopts a parallel strategy of “proprietary + licensed + third-party” IPs, forming a diverse IP resource pool. As of the end of March 2026, TOP TOY has built an IP matrix comprising 24 proprietary IPs, 42 licensed IPs, and over 660 third-party IPs. Among these, its self-developed products accounted for over 55% of revenue, establishing it as a highly competitive trendy toy brand in the industry.

In terms of product R&D, TOP TOY focuses on three core categories — model figures, 3D building blocks, and vinyl plush toys. Among these, vinyl plush toys have emerged as the most prominent growth category, with its revenue share increasing significantly from 3.5% in 2024 to 31.6% in 2025, generating RMB1.102 billion for the full year. Meanwhile, through its “X-category” mechanism, it develops products across diverse categories to flexibly seize market opportunities.

In the channel sales stage, TOP TOY has constructed an omni-channel network with both depth and breadth, enabling in-depth access to global trendy culture consumers. Offline, it adopts a hierarchical layout of “flagship + mainstream + pop-up”, with the number of stores reaching 334 as of December 31, 2025. By providing immersive interactive experiences, it achieves effective brand exposure and enables the Company to promptly collect first-hand user feedback, providing information for the Company’s product design and channel selection strategies. Online, it covers major e-commerce platforms and distributes products through large retailers such as Sam’s Club and Don Don Donki, as well as other diversified retail channels. This omni-channel layout not only expands the scope of consumer reach but also forms a consumption closed loop of “offline experience - online repurchase”. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had 12 million registered members, making it one of the companies with the largest member base in the trendy toy industry.

Leveraging the integrated operation of full value chain, TOP TOY has achieved synergy across all links — the richness of its IP portfolio ensures product appeal, the extensiveness of its channels expands market coverage and establishes emotional connections with consumers, and the Company has also built strong ecosystem partnerships. The linkage of these three elements drives the maximization of IP value, forming a rare full-industry-chain competitiveness among domestic trendy play enterprises.

Taking the Proprietary IP Matrix as the Core: Building a Core Engine for Long-term Growth

Through its in-house original IP incubation team, TOP TOY has created many popular proprietary IP characters. The Company is dedicated to promoting these proprietary IPs to expand their reach across diverse markets, foster deeper audience engagement, and drive sustained growth. On the other hand, through the acquisition of multiple IP design studios such as Sure Fun and Sugar Pocket, TOP TOY has integrated IPs like “Nommi” and “Ninimo ” into its proprietary IP matrix, accelerating its IP layout process.

As of the end of March 2026, TOP TOY had 24 proprietary IPs. Among them, the “Nommi” IP delivered an outstanding performance, with its 2025 GMV exceeding RMB200 million. Proprietary IPs not only attract consumers through unique designs and cultural connotations but also extend their life cycles and amplify their value through diversified operational strategies, such as the continuous release of new product series, the creation of offline experiential scenarios, and cross-over IP collaborations.

Furthermore, TOP TOY continues to consolidate long-term, stable cooperative relationships with top global IPs such as Sanrio, Disney and Crayon Shin-chan. By creating hit products through IP reinvention, the Company not only rapidly broadens market awareness but also accumulates mature IP operation experience and consumer insights, laying a solid foundation for the development of its self-developed products.

Leveraging the continuous expansion of its proprietary IP matrix and stable licensing cooperation with major IPs, the Company continues to intensify its layout of self-developed products. As the proportion of self-developed products steadily increases, its scale effect continues to be unleashed, driving a continuous improvement in the overall gross margin. Looking ahead, with an increasing revenue contribution from self-developed products and the impact of economies of scale, the Company’s gross margin is expected to rise further, unlocking greater profit elasticity.

Accelerating Global Expansion to Open Up New Growth Space

Notably, while consolidating its advantages in the Chinese market, TOP TOY is extending its business reach to overseas markets. To date, the Company has entered markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan, with the number of overseas stores reaching 39. In terms of revenue, the proportion of TOP TOY’s overseas business rapidly increased from 0.6% to 8.2%, fully demonstrating strong overseas growth momentum.

In terms of market potential, the overseas global pop toy market still has significant growth space. Taking mature consumer markets such as North America and Europe as examples, local consumers have a relatively high per capita consumption amount on pop toy, and their willingness to pay for original IP and cultural recognition are also prominent. However, the layout of emerging pop toy categories in local markets is still relatively limited, and the overall market penetration rate is at a low level, with broad incremental space and potential for exploration in the future. The above market advantages and development opportunities together constitute the core logic and realistic basis for TOP TOY to focus on laying out the above developed country markets. In the future, relying on the advantages of the full value chain synergy and mature IP operation experience, the overseas market is expected to become an important incremental engine for the Company.

The market’s attention to pop toy companies is essentially a consideration of their IP operation capabilities and sustainability. TOP TOY has demonstrated a clear development logic by virtue of its two core advantages: the fully integrated platform and a diversified IP matrix. Amid accelerating consolidation in the pop toy industry and rising consumer demand, if TOP TOY can continue to deepen the synergy effect of the full value chain, strengthen the influence of its proprietary IP, and superimpose the gradual growth of the overseas incremental market, it is expected to seize opportunities in the fragmented market pattern, further solidifying its industry leadership and unlocking long-term potential.

Caption: Image courtesy of Seres Group.

Driven by policy support, shifting consumer demand, and advances in technology, China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) industry is entering a new phase of development, with Seres Group positioning itself at its center. On April 8, the Hong Kong-listed NEV maker (ticker code: 9927.HK) reported results that reflect its technology capabilities, product lineup, and international expansion strategy.

In 2025, Seres recorded operating revenue of RMB 164.89 billion (USD 24 billion), up 13.63% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB 5.96 billion (USD 867.3 million). Revenue hit a record high, and the company said it has now reported profitability for two consecutive years, achieving a notable milestone in an industry where many players remain loss-making.

Aito builds position in luxury NEV segment

Seres attributed its latest performance to ongoing product development and brand positioning. It said it continues to align its strategy with user demand while refining its product mix and market focus.

As an early entrant into China’s premium NEV segment, the company has sought to differentiate through what it describes as “technology luxury,” a term it uses to position its vehicles.

Its premium brand, Aito, reported strong delivery figures for 2025. The Aito M9 exceeded 110,000 units in annual deliveries and was described by the company as the bestselling model in the RMB 500,000 (USD 72,757) segment for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, the Aito M8 delivered more than 150,000 units during the year, maintaining its position as the top-selling model in the RMB 400,000 (USD 58,206) segment since launch. The Aito M7 also surpassed 110,000 units.

Combined, these three models pushed Aito’s total annual deliveries above 420,000 units. Seres said this made Aito the leading high-end automotive brand in China by sales and set a new delivery pace in the segment.

Beyond product performance, the figures point to the broader rise of Chinese brands in the premium global automotive market.

In assisted driving, Seres said it increased R&D investment and made technical progress. In 2025, Aito vehicles accumulated 3.8 billion kilometers of assisted driving mileage. During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, 51.9% of mileage driven by Aito M9 vehicles was generated using assisted driving functions, according to the company. These figures indicate growing adoption and suggest increasing maturity of the company’s assisted driving system.

Seres added that the data and expertise accumulated to date will support further development and iteration of its assisted driving systems.

Strong cash flow and ESG positioning

The company’s financial position also strengthened. As of December 31, 2025, net cash flow from operating activities reached RMB 28.12 billion (USD 4.1 billion), nearly five times its net profit. Seres attributed this to its robust cash flow management and revenue generation, which it said provide resilience against industry cycles and support continued investment in R&D, product development, and international expansion.

Seres also emphasized its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. It said it has sought to integrate ESG principles across R&D and supply chain operations, with a focus on achieving long-term sustainability and alignment with broader societal and environmental goals.

Its endeavors have earned it an AAA ESG rating from MSCI, its highest tier, according to the company. The rating reflects its governance framework and ESG management, and may influence its appeal to both retail and institutional investors.

Looking ahead, Seres plans to focus on expanding production capacity, investing further in core technologies, and broadening its distribution network.

Often compared with Western luxury automotive brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Seres has had to manage high expectations around product quality and brand positioning. Its latest results, if anything, suggest it is not only making progress toward meeting those expectations, but also hint at its potential to eventually surpass them.

OTTAWA, ON --(ACN Newswire - April 8, 2026) - Stria Lithium Inc. (TSXV: SRA) is pleased to announce the execution on April 8, 2026, of an investment agreement (the "Investment Agreement") with Alicanto Minerals Ltd. (ASX: AQI) ("Alicanto") for the acquisition of a net smelter return (NSR) royalty of up to 2% on the advanced West Australian Mt Henry Gold Project (the "Acquisition") and the appointment of experienced Royalty Company Executives to transform its business into a mining royalty business. The Acquisition constitutes a change of business under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

Following completion of the Acquisition and the transactions contemplated under the Investment Agreement, Stria will focus its activities on the mining royalty business and intends to use its working capital to acquire more precious metals royalties.

Key points of the royalty acquisition and proposed change of business

• Creation of a new royalty company that combines the unique skill sets of a highly successful project generation team with a proven royalty management team

• Stria has executed its first deal as part of this strategy, securing a net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the Mt Henry Gold Project in Western Australia

• Mt Henry hosts a JORC-compliant historical Measured & Indicated Resource¹ of 22.1Mt @ 1.2 g/t for 822,000oz and an Inferred Resource of 2.4Mt @ 1.2 g/t for 94,000oz². The resource is shallow and completely open, and is currently being advance through a 50,000m drill program, making it ready positioning it for immediate growth

Following the Acquisition - Management Appointments

• Following the completion of the Acquisition, Stria will appoint experienced royalty company executives Adam Davidson and Tyron Rees as Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Corporate Development respectively

• Mr Davidson and Mr Rees, who most recently held senior executive positions at ASX200 Deterra Royalties (ASX: DRR), were also the founders of Trident Royalties, which they grew from a US$20m shell company to its acquisition by Deterra Royalties for ~US$200m

• Experienced mining and resources executives, Stephen Parsons and Michael Naylor have been appointed as advisors to the Board on growth and acquisitions post-transaction. Experienced geologist Sam Brooks to join Stria as Project Generation Geologist

• Mr Parsons, Mr Naylor and Mr Brooks are the founders of several highly successful ASX-listed precious metals and copper companies including ASX 200 companies Bellevue Gold (ASX: BGL), Gryphon Minerals (ASX: GRY), Firefly Metals (ASX: FFM) (TSX: FFM), and Andean Silver (ASX: ASL)

• The team has been successful in identifying resource assets that have a clear pathway to rapid growth, production and revenue

Private Placement

• Concurrently with the Acquisition, Stria will complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") of its common shares for minimum proceeds of a CDN$12.0 million via the issuance of 16,000,000 common shares at a price of CDN$0.75 per common share.

• Stria intends to use its strong working capital position and experienced team to build a portfolio of royalty assets, predominantly in precious and base metals while maintaining flexibility to capitalise on other emerging opportunities

About the Mt Henry Gold Project

• The Mt Henry Gold Project is an advanced brownfields asset located in the prolific Norseman area in Western Australia

• Mt Henry hosts a historical JORC Mineral Resource of Measured & Indicated 22.1Mt @ 1.2 g/t gold for 822,000 ounces and Inferred 2.4Mt @ 1.2 g/t gold for 94,000 ounces and sits within a 16km mineralized corridor; The mineralization remains completely open along strike and down dip with clear potential for rapid Resource growth and broader district-scale upside³⁴

• Alicanto recently announced the commencement of a 50,000m drill program at Mt Henry, with diamond drilling commenced in early March 2026, aimed at driving Resource growth and advancing the project toward a potential mining operation⁵

• The project benefits from simple geometry and significant widths of mineralization from surface, making it highly amenable to a potential open pit mining operation

• The historical mineral resources⁶ at the Project are reported inside pit shells completed at an assumed gold price of ~A$2,160/oz (approximately US$1,550/oz); With gold now between A$6,700-A$7000/oz (approximately US$5,000/oz), there is clear potential for larger pit shells and evaluation of broader development scenarios⁷

• Prior drilling highlights the quality of the asset with substantial widths and grades from unmined areas revealing the scale and continuity of mineralization, results include⁸:

  • 18.0m @ 16.4g/t gold from 14m (hole MHRD0121)

  • 19.0m @ 9.0g/t gold from 29m (hole NMC005)

  • 64.0m @ 3.9g/t gold from 65m (hole 5HENC068)

  • 39.0m @ 5.2g/t gold from 100m (hole NHC122)

  • 18.0m @ 9.8g/t gold from 1m (including 5m @ 33.1g/t gold from 8m) (hole NSRD0004)

• Mineralization trends for 16km with only shallow (typically <50m) drilling previously completed on broad centres, with numerous significant intersections outside of the resources to follow up including⁹:

  • 10.0m @ 88.2g/t gold from 5m (including 4m @ 208.8g/t gold from 4m) (hole 4IPP13)

  • 13.0m @ 13.3g/t gold from 5m (including 3m @ 41.8g/t gold from 9m) (hole 84IPP26)

  • 2.0m @ 46.3g/t gold from 6m (hole NBC043)

  • 12.0m @ 6.1g/t gold from 17m (hole NTC003)

Details of the Proposed Transaction

• The parties entered an investment agreement and royalty deed for the acquisition by Stria of a 1% NSR (the "Royalty") on the Mt Henry Gold Project, located in Western Australia (the "Project")

• Stria will pay an amount of A$5m (CDN$4.8m) in cash for the Royalty and will issue 4,000,000 common shares to Mt Henry owner Alicanto Minerals Limited (ASX: AQI) on the closing date

• Stria also holds an option to purchase at its discretion an additional 1% NSR for a further cash payment to Alicanto of A$10m (CDN$9.7m) at Stria's election and before 30 days of Alicanto announcing 2.0Moz of JORC resources

• After giving effect to the Acquisition and the completion of the Placement of 12,500,000 shares, Alicanto will hold approximately 6.5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Stria.

• The Acquisition remains subject to several conditions, including obtaining all necessary regulatory and corporate approvals, including that of the Exchange, the filing of a technical report compliant with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")on the Project in accordance with Canadian securities laws, among other customary closing conditions. The Acquisition will require shareholder approval under the policies of the Exchange, which the Company anticipates receiving by way of written resolution of its shareholders.

Stria Lithium Chairman Jeff York said: "We are delighted to embark on this new chapter with a high-growth royalty strategy backed by an extremely successful and experienced team.

"Adam and Tyron are royalty specialists with an outstanding track record and Steve and Mike are highly successful resources executives who have generated exceptional shareholder returns.

"The combination of this team, our balance sheet, access to capital and deal flow will enable Stria to build a significant portfolio in this rapidly growing sector.

"The acquisition of the Mt Henry royalty is a strong start in our new strategy. With Alicanto moving quickly to create value at Mt Henry through drilling, Stria is well-positioned to share in the upside as the project advances towards production.

Management Appointment

Stria is pleased to announce that, subject to and following the closing of the Acquisition, it will appoint experienced royalty company executives Adam Davidson as Chief Executive Officer, Tyron Rees as Vice President Corporate Development, and Sam Brooks as Project Generation Geologist. Current Chief Executive Officer Dean Hanish will remain on the board and transition to non-executive director.

Mr Davidson and Mr Rees founded AIM-listed Trident Royalties. Trident grew from a small AIM-listed shell into a diversified mining royalty company over a relatively short period, demonstrating a highly effective growth and acquisition strategy. From its listing, the company rapidly assembled a portfolio of royalties and offtakes across multiple commodities and jurisdictions through disciplined deal-making and creative financing structures. Over four years, Trident expanded to holding more than twenty assets acquired through a series of transactions, building meaningful market awareness and liquidity in the process. The strategy culminated in the acquisition of the company by Deterra Royalties in 2024 for circa US$200 million.

Mr Parsons and Mr Naylor are the founding Directors of several highly successful ASX-listed resources companies having identified, acquired and funded projects, devised and implemented exploration and development strategies and created substantial shareholder value.

Mr Parsons and Mr Naylor founded ASX200 Bellevue Gold Limited (ASX: BGL) leading the business through discovery, funding, development and construction of the 3 million oz Bellevue gold mine in Western Australia.

They are also founding directors and executives of ASX300 (and TSX) FireFly Metals and were instrumental in the successful acquisition and subsequent growth of the Green Bay Copper-Gold Project in Newfoundland, Canada.

Prior to that Mr Parsons was the founding Managing Director and Mr Naylor was the Chief Financial Officer of Gryphon Minerals Ltd, which discovered a large multi-million ounce gold project in Burkina Faso, West Africa and grew to be an ASX200 company prior to its takeover by a significant North American gold company and becoming a major gold producing mine.

Mr Brooks complements this track record, having served as Chief Geologist of Bellevue Gold, and previously as a director of Auteco, now FireFly Metals, as well as a key technical geologist at Gryphon Minerals.

Royalty Purchase

Stria has entered into the Investment Agreement for the acquisition of up to a 2% NSR royalty on the Mount Henry Gold Project in Western Australia. For further information on the Mt Henry Gold project, please refer to the recent ASX announcements by Alicanto Minerals Ltd. which can be accessed at: https://www.alicantominerals.com.au/asx-announcements/.

The information contained in the following table is reproduced from Alicanto Minerals (ASX: AQI) press release 17^th December 2025:

Table 1: Details of Transaction

The Mt Henry Gold Project is located within the prolific Norseman-Kalgoorlie greenstone belt in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia, a gold jurisdiction that hosts multiple long-life operations and multi-million-ounce deposits. The Mt Henry Gold Project Resource comprises three deposits; Mt Henry, Selene and North Scotia - located along a 16km mineralized corridor and supported by extensive drilling, consistent mineralization and a substantial technical dataset.

Together, the deposits contain a historical JORC 2012 Resource of 822,000 ounces of Measured and Indicated and 94,000 ounces of Inferred. All mineralization is near-surface and completely open along strike and down dip across the corridor.

Table 2: JORC 2012 Mineral Historical Resource Estimate for Mt Henry Gold Project, Western Australia

The historical estimate was prepared in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) and not under NI 43-101. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the estimate as a current mineral resource and the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

Outside the main deposit areas, only limited shallow drilling (typically less than 50m deep) has been completed. This work has demonstrated mineralization along the entire horizon, with numerous significant results requiring follow-up drilling.

The Project's Mineral Resources are located on granted mining leases with sealed-road access approximately 1.5km east of the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway, benefiting from proximity to established regional infrastructure and supporting efficient progression of drilling and development activities.

The Mt Henry Gold Project is located within a well-established gold district that hosts operations and development projects owned by Northern Star, Gold Fields, Westgold, Minerals 260, Focus Minerals and Black Cat Syndicate. The presence of these companies along the same highly endowed greenstone belt highlights the scale and proven endowment of the region.

Alicanto recently announced the commencement of drilling at Mount Henry targeting extensions to the historical Resource.

Cautionary Note: Information regarding the Mt Henry Gold Project is derived from public sources and the Qualified Person responsible for the review and approval of the technical information disclosed in this news release has not verified the information relating to this Mt Henry Gold Project.

Equity Raising

Concurrently with the Acquisition, Stria will carry non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") of its common shares for minimum (and maximum) proceeds of CDN$12.0 million via the issuance of 16,000,000 common shares at a price of CDN$0.75 per common share. The Placement is scheduled to close concurrently with the Company receiving approval of the Acquisition from its shareholders. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the parties have an outside date of July 7, 2026 to complete the Acquisition.

Proceeds from the Placement, in combination with existing cash, will be applied to the Cash Consideration for the Acquisition; and for working capital to fund future evaluations and acquisitions. Following closing of the Placement, Alicanto will emerge as a 6.5% shareholder in Stria.

The Placement is conditional on the Company receiving approval of the Acquisition from its shareholders. All securities issued will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period pursuant to securities laws in Canada. Finders' fees may be payable to qualified parties in accordance with the policies of the Exchange.

Indicative Timetable

The expected timetable for the Acquisition and the closing of the Placement is provided in the table below which is subject to adjustment as the Acquisition remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals:

Effect on Capital Structure

The effect of the Acquisition and the Placement on Stria's issued capital is set out below:

Board Approval

The Board of Directors of Stria has unanimously approved the Acquisition.

Preliminary News Release

This is a preliminary news release regarding the Acquisition, additional press releases containing additional information on the Acquisition will follow in accordance with the policies of the Exchange.

Other TSX-V Matters

The Acquisition constitutes an arm's length transaction under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and no finder's fee is payable in connection therewith.

Trading Halt

Trading in the Company's common shares on the Exchange will be halted before the opening of the market on Tuesday April 7, 2026. It is anticipating that trading in the Company's common shares will remain halted until closing of the Acquisition.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Brian Wolfe, B. Sc., MAIG, Principal Consultant Geologist and an independent Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Brian Wolfe is a consultant to Stria.

Historical Mineral Resource Disclosure

While the historical estimates on the Mt Henry Gold Project were reportedly prepared in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves ("JORC Code") (2012) in effect at the time, consistency with current standards is not assured. The Company considers these historical estimates to be relevant as they indicate the potential presence and scale of mineralization on the Mt Henry Gold Project. The historical resource categories used are consistent with those defined in NI 43-101 and the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves; however, a QP has not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as current mineral resources, and the Company is not treating them as current mineral resources.

The Mt Henry historical resource estimate was reported on the 17^th of December 2025 0n the Australian securities exchange (ASX) by Alicanto Minerals Ltd prepared using the JORC code of reporting. Reporting classification is consistent with the CIM code of reporting. The historical resource estimate has been reviewed by the QP who has confirmed the historical estimate has been appropriately estimated.

To the extent known and insofar as existing available documentation indicates, the historical estimate described can be considered to be reliable under the JORC code (2012). The description of work undertaken, assumptions and chosen parameters demonstrate competency in the procedures and workflow required. Although historical data back to 1980 has been included, sufficient detail is maintained in the available database to ensure integrity. Only suitable drilling (Diamond core and RC) and surveying techniques have been employed. Sampling and assaying techniques described are to industry standard. The estimation methodology, Ordinary Kriging with Localised Uniform Kriging post processing are standard methods and appropriate for the style of mineralization. The reporting classification of Measured, Indicated and Inferred is consistent with the CIM code of reporting. Applied mining factors and assumptions appear reasonable. A history of mining with good reconciliation of mine claimed to mill recovered provides confidence in the accuracy of the estimate.

Key assumptions and parameters of the December 2025 historical Resource Estimate reproduced from the AQI ASX press release dated 17^th of December 2025 are tabulated below.

Work needed to convert the JORC MRE as described above includes (but is not limited to) the following:-

• Additional database checks to demonstrate the veracity of the data including checks of assay certificates against the master database.

• Analysis and review of all available assay quality control data.

• Review of the existing geological and mineralisation interpretations.

• A full geostatistical review and analysis using the resultant geological and mineralisation interpretations.

• Determination of the most appropriate geostatistical estimation methods applicable.

• Classification of the grade estimates consistent with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.

• Assessment of the classified grade estimates using suitable reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction (RPEEE) criteria and reporting of the Mineral Resource subsequent to application of the resultant RPEEE criteria.

Neither Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Completion of the Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Acquisition cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Acquisition will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Acquisition, any information released or received with respect to the Acquisition may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Stria should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Acquisition and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations (including negative and grammatical variations) of such words and phrases or state that certain acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Please refer to the risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information

Forward-looking information in this press release may include, without limitation, statements relating to: the completion of the Acquisition and the timing thereof, the proposed business of Stria following the Acquisition, the completion of the proposed Placement and the use of proceeds therefrom, the completion and receipt by Stria of a NI 43-101 compliant technical report for the Mt Henry Gold Project, the proposed officers of the Resulting Issuer, shareholder and regulatory approvals.

These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including risks regarding the mining industry, commodity prices, market conditions, general economic factors, the ability of the parties to successfully complete the Acquisition, management's ability to manage and to operate the business, and the equity markets generally. Because of these risks and uncertainties, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance of each of Stria and Alicanto may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by forward-looking information.

Although Stria believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking information are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, Stria disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities laws.

________________________

¹ Alicanto Minerals (ASX: AQI) press release 17th December 2025
² A "qualified person" (QP) under NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as current mineral resources, and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources.
³ A "qualified person" (QP) under NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as current mineral resources, and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources.
⁴ Alicanto Minerals (ASX: AQI) Press release 17^th December 2025 titled "Acquisition of Mt Henry Gold Project and Capital Raising"
⁵ Alicanto Minerals (ASX: AQI) Press release 24^th February 2026 titled "Drilling to commence next month at Mt Henry"
⁶ A "qualified person" (QP) under NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as current mineral resources, and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources.
⁷ Alicanto Minerals (ASX: AQI) Press release 17^th December 2025 titled "Mt Henry Gold Project Acquisition Presentation"
⁸ Alicanto Minerals (ASX: AQI) Press release 17^th December 2025 titled "Acquisition of Mt Henry Gold Project and Capital Raising"
⁹ Alicanto Minerals (ASX: AQI) Press release 17^th December 2025 titled "Acquisition of Mt Henry Gold Project and Capital Raising"
¹⁰ A "qualified person" (QP) under NI 43-101 has not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as current mineral resources, and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291716

BOSTON, Apr 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - IDC today opened IDC Directions 2026, its flagship client event, bringing together technology leaders, analysts, and industry experts to examine the forces reshaping the global technology market and to introduce a major evolution in how technology intelligence is delivered.

At the center of this year's event is IDC Quanta™, a new AI-powered platform that establishes what IDC defines as the technology intelligence layer for the AI economy.

As artificial intelligence accelerates the pace of business and compresses decision cycles, IDC is redefining its role from a destination for research and data to an embedded intelligence capability that delivers trusted insight directly into the workflows where decisions are made.

"AI is compressing time across the entire technology market, and that breaks the traditional research model," said Lorenzo Larini, CEO of IDC. "Leaders don't need more noise. They need intelligence that shows up in the moment, grounded in data they trust, and ready to use. IDC Quanta makes that possible. We believe it will define the next chapter of this industry."

Defining the Technology Intelligence Layer

IDC Quanta™ emerged from collaboration with some of the industry's most forward-leaning technology providers and enterprise buyers, shaping a platform built for how decisions are made today. Demoed at Directions, IDC Quanta™ is built on five differentiated design principles that redefine how technology intelligence is delivered:

• EMBEDDED - Intelligence inside your workflows: IDC Quanta™ delivers intelligence directly within the tools professionals already use, starting with email and expanding to collaboration and AI platforms. By removing the need to search, switch contexts, or manually synthesize insights, IDC enables faster, more seamless decision-making.
• CONTEXTUAL - Your business context, combined with IDC intelligence: Organizations can securely bring their own data, documents, and third-party content into IDC Quanta™, analyzing it alongside IDC research in a single environment. The platform retains context across interactions, enabling more relevant, personalized, and continuously improving insights.
• SECURE - Enterprise-grade privacy and control: IDC Quanta is designed with strict data isolation and governance at its core. Customer data remains private, is never used to train models, and is fully protected within a secure workspace, ensuring organizations can confidently apply intelligence to high-stakes decisions.
• AWARE- The insights you need without asking: IDC Quanta delivers scheduled intelligence automatically, helping decision-makers stay ahead. It uncovers insights faster using trend signals, anonymized peer patterns, and suggested next questions, eliminating the need for repeated prompts for frequently needed information.
• RIGOROUS - Intelligence you can stand behind: IDC Quanta is grounded in more than 60 years of proprietary data, research, and analyst expertise, delivering sourced, citable answers with full transparency into underlying methodology and inputs. Unlike common AI tools, every output is traceable to trusted IDC intelligence.

Powering AI-Driven Decision Workflows

IDC also announced it is building a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for the technology intelligence layer of the AI economy and is collaborating with Anthropic to bring IDC's intelligence directly into Claude workflows.

Through this collaboration, organizations will gain entitlement-based access to IDC's proprietary research, data, and methodologies natively within Anthropic environments via MCP and plugins. This approach enables IDC intelligence to be accessed not as a separate destination, but as a seamless extension of the AI tools enterprises already use.

The result is a new class of agentic workflows, where AI moves beyond answering questions to executing research tasks on behalf of the user. These workflows can include navigating sources, synthesizing customer and IDC intelligence data, generating structured outputs, and producing actionable deliverables.

By embedding IDC intelligence into AI-native environments, IDC Quanta transforms AI from a capable assistant into a reliable operator for enterprise decision-making.

From Research to Embedded Intelligence

IDC Quanta™ represents a fundamental shift from static research consumption through gated portals to continuous, embedded intelligence that scales across the enterprise.

"In my world, where it used to take human time weeks to draw conclusions, reading hundreds of reports, I can now do that in minutes," said Mark Terranova, director, Worldwide Analyst Relations at Kyndryl. "That means I can service my stakeholders internally much quicker with better insights. AI needs to interact with the human. That's how you get good answers and that's a key differentiator for IDC right now, in my opinion."

IDC Quanta™ is expected to be generally available in summer 2026. Sign up to be notified at launch: idc.com/jointhewaitlist.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of trusted technology intelligence, advisory services, and events. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 100 countries. IDC's analysis and insights help IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on X at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights.

All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT
IDC | Kiní Schoop | press@idc.com
Escalate PR for IDC | IDC@escalatepr.com

SOURCE: IDC

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Apr 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ:DVLT), a leader in AI-driven data valuation, monetization, credentialing, digital engagement, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization technologies, today announced it signed $750 million in aggregate tokenization contracts during Q1 2026, generating approximately $77 million in associated fees covering banking, IP licensing, minting, and related services. These contracts support the Company's previously stated full-year 2026 revenue guidance of at least $200 million.

The $750 million in contracts signed during the quarter span four key asset categories, with tokenization fees as follows: copper and gold mining associated fees covering banking, IP licensing, etc. In conjunction with this activity, the Company also announced the planned relaunch of its core exchange platforms this quarter: the Information Data Exchange (IDE), Sports Illustrated Exchange (SIx), New York Interactive Advertising Exchange (NYIAX), and International Elements Exchange (IEE). The patented exchanges will feature enhanced AI-driven valuation, smart contracts, and transparent trading capabilities for data assets, advertising, sports NIL, and tokenized real-world assets, respectively.

"Securing $750 million in tokenization contracts during Q1 underscores the accelerating demand for our patented exchange technologies and real-world asset infrastructure," said Nathaniel T. Bradley, CEO and President of Datavault AI. "The relaunch of IDE, SIx, IEE, and NYIAX with upgraded AI features, including CLEAR, WatsonX AI, and Fiserv integrations, will further drive value creation for our partners and stakeholders, and these contract signings reinforce our confidence in our full-year 2026 revenue guidance of at least $200 million."

These contract signings build on the Company's momentum and support its previously stated full-year 2026 revenue target of at least $200 million.

About Datavault AI Inc.

Datavault AI™ (NASDAQ: DVLT) is a pioneer in AI-driven data experiences, valuation, and monetization of assets in the Web 3.0 environment. The Company's cloud-based platform delivers comprehensive solutions across its Acoustic Sciences and Data Sciences divisions.

Datavault AI's Acoustic Sciences division features WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® patented technologies for spatial and multichannel wireless, high-definition sound transmission. The Data Science Division harnesses Web 3.0 and high-performance computing to enable experiential data perception, valuation, and secure monetization across industries, including sports & entertainment, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, energy, and more.

The Information Data Exchange® (IDE®) is a token exchange technology powered by Nasdaq Financial Infrastructure, the company owns and operates exchanges powered by its patented technology, including but not limited to International Elements Exchange (IEE), Sports Illustrated Exchange (SIx), New York Interactive Advertising Exchange (NYIAX), and American Political Exchange (APE). The Company is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Learn more at www.dvlt.ai

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities laws) about Datavault AI Inc. ("Datavault AI," the "Company," "us," "our," or "we") and our industry that involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words, such as "may," "might," "will," "shall," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "goal," "objective," "seeks," "likely" or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. The absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding future events; the Company's full-year 2026 revenue target; the anticipated launch, re-launch, and/or commercial deployment of the Information Data Exchange ("IDE"), the Company's sports-focused international NIL exchange ("SIx") being developed in exploratory collaboration with Sports Illustrated, the New York Interactive Advertising Exchange ("NYIAX"), and the International Elements Exchange ("IEE") platforms, including the expected timing, features, and capabilities thereof; the anticipated benefits of integrations with CLEAR, IBM watsonx.ai, and Fiserv technologies; the expected performance, scalability, and commercial impact of the Company's AI-driven valuation, smart contract, and trading capabilities; and the Company's business strategies, long-term objectives, and commercialization plans, are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain.

Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: the risk that the Company will not achieve its full-year 2026 revenue target; risks related to the Company's ability to successfully launch, deploy, and commercialize the IDE, SIx, NYIAX, and IEE platforms within the anticipated timeline or at all; risks related to the successful integration of third-party technologies, including CLEAR, IBM watsonx.ai, and Fiserv, into the Company's platforms; the risk that Datavault AI will incorrectly anticipate market trends and/or fail to successfully exploit business opportunities; the risk that regulatory changes with respect to digital assets may negatively impact the markets in which Datavault AI operates, or fail to drive revenue growth to anticipated levels; changes in market demand for Datavault AI's services and products; changes in economic, market, or regulatory conditions; risks relating to evolving regulatory frameworks applicable to tokenized assets; risks associated with technological development and integration; and other risks and uncertainties as more fully described in Datavault AI's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and other filings that Datavault AI makes from time to time with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Datavault AI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Datavault AI may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Datavault AI's forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments it may make.

Media Contact
Alan Wallace
Head of Public Relations
marketing@dvlt.ai
+1.267.817.7251

Investor Contact
Edward Barger
VP, Investor Relations
ir@dvlt.ai
ebarger@dvlt.ai

SOURCE: Datavault AI Inc.

Vancouver, BC, Apr 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces that Gold Fields Netherlands Services B.V. ("Gold Fields"), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Gold Fields Ltd, has increased its equity position in the Company through market purchases.

On April 6, 2026, Gold Fields acquired 2,441,686 common shares of the Company at a weighted average price of approximately C$4.15 per share, for total consideration of approximately C$10.1 million. Following the transaction, Gold Fields beneficially owns 14,489,879 common shares of Founders, representing approximately 12.50% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis, up from approximately 10.39% following the closing of Gold Fields' initial C$50 million strategic investment in November 2025.

Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, "Gold Fields' decision to meaningfully increase their ownership in Founders through market purchases is a strong endorsement of our exploration strategy and the district-scale potential of the Antino Gold Project. With an aggressive surface exploration and 70,000+ metre diamond drill program underway and multiple high-priority targets advancing across our 102,360-hectare land package, we are well-positioned to continue delivering value for all shareholders."

Gold Fields' early warning report in connection with the transaction has been filed under Founders' profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Founders Metals Inc.

Founders Metals Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company building a district-scale gold camp in southeastern Suriname. The Company controls a 102,360-hectare contiguous land package in the Guiana Shield - the largest uninterrupted package of highly prospective greenstone belt geology in the region. Founders is backed by strategic partnerships with Gold Fields and B2Gold and is executing one of the most active exploration programs in the global junior gold sector. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, strong community engagement, and disciplined capital allocation as it advances Suriname's next major gold camp.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Per: "Colin Padget"

Colin Padget
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding long term value creation and the Company's prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291616