Markets

Boba Mint Holdings has completed its acquisition of the remaining 50% of Werd Studios, a blockchain gaming company, for $1.4 million, issuing 7 million common shares to Werd’s CEO, Andrew Shore. Werd Studios brings blockchain/crypto games like Cafe Disco Party and Moon Poker. The issued shares are subject to lock-up periods. Shore’s ownership in Boba Mint doubles to 13.04%. Negative aspects include share dilution and lengthy lock-up periods which require monitoring.

In Anshan, China, a man’s unlocked Toyota was entered by three minors who stole the keys and subsequently his Mercedes-Benz. The abandoned Mercedes was recovered 100km away after running out of fuel. Two suspects, ages 13 and 14, have been apprehended. Due to their age, they may not face criminal charges, but the owner’s negligence in securing his vehicle could lead to partial liability. Insurance coverage is complicated by the owner’s negligence and legal limitations regarding minors’ responsibilities. The guardians may be responsible for compensation and care.

A LatePost report reveals an intense battle between Meituan and Taobao in China’s on-demand delivery sector, focusing on “lightning warehouses.” These online-only convenience stores offer rapid delivery of essential goods. The platforms are fiercely competing for key merchants, employing tactics such as pressuring them to adjust prices or limit rival platform operations. Merchants express concerns about platform dominance and data control, navigating the pressures of this competitive landscape. The future of this rivalry and merchants’ roles remain uncertain.

BioArctic’s Q2 2025 royalties surged to SEK 162.5 million due to strong Leqembi (lecanemab) sales, developed with Eisai, reaching JPY 23.1 billion. This included a one-time China stockpiling effect of JPY 5.3 billion. Excluding this, sales were JPY 17.8 billion, with royalties of approximately SEK 125 million. BioArctic will release its full Q2 report on August 28, focusing on Leqembi’s sustainable growth. Leqembi, targeting early Alzheimer’s, is approved in 46 countries and under review in 10 more.

Two former SpaceX employees are suing the company, alleging safety concerns were ignored in favor of speed and cost, leading to their wrongful termination. One plaintiff, a former supervisor, claims he was fired after raising warnings about a potentially dangerous rocket recovery process. The lawsuit highlights instances of excessive work hours, unreported injuries, and a culture of prioritizing deadlines over safety. OSHA data reveals SpaceX’s Starbase facility has a higher injury rate than the aerospace manufacturing average. Another plaintiff alleges termination after workplace injuries.

After being missing for three days, Xiaoying, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, was found in Dongguan, China, thanks to police, volunteers, and Douyin (TikTok). Police found her wandering alone and contacted the “Let Love Come Home” volunteer group, who posted a video on Douyin. Xiaoying’s sister in a distant province recognized her and contacted the volunteers. Remarkably, the same group had previously helped reunite Xiaoying with her mother, who’d been missing for three years. Volunteers are now helping the family, highlighting the power of social media in finding missing persons.

A new scam targets older TikTok users by impersonating customer service. Fraudsters use scare tactics, claiming account issues like unauthorized services or security risks, to trick users into downloading software and sharing their screens. They then remotely access devices and steal funds. TikTok warns users that official support will never request software downloads or screen sharing. Users should verify contacts through TikTok’s official channels and be wary of unsolicited service termination requests or fee warnings.

Neotech Metals (NTMFF) has begun its maiden drilling program at its 100%-owned TREO project in British Columbia’s Wicheeda Rare Earth District. The program targets high-priority zones identified by previous sampling, which yielded up to 28.97% TREO and 2.91% Nb₂O₅. Drilling aims to assess mineralized pathways and their relation to Defense Metals’ Wicheeda deposit. This marks a critical step in exploring the area’s resource potential.

The 2025 China Heat Pump Industry Annual Conference highlighted a shift beyond price competition towards technological innovation. While many companies remain in a price war, Haier’s 30% energy-saving technology and intelligent management platforms are gaining traction. The focus is expanding from basic heating to energy conservation, cost savings, and smart management for homes and buildings. Successful implementations in industrial parks and agricultural settings demonstrate significant cost reductions through multi-energy synergy. The industry emphasizes decarbonization and demands sophisticated system integration, requiring technological prowess from heat pump manufacturers.

The operator of “Sakura Anime,” a Chinese website illegally distributing Japanese anime, has been sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment and fined RMB 15,000 for copyright infringement and forging documents. The Chengdu Intermediate People’s Court upheld the original ruling after an appeal. The website allegedly disseminated over 2,100 anime series without permission, ignoring requests from licensed distributors to remove the content. The case highlights the fight against digital copyright infringement.