NoneJ Studios/DigitalVision via Getty Images As we close in on Thanksgiving I want to give a quick update on Paramount ( NASDAQ: PARA ) which I haven’t covered in about six months. As I’ve said before I try to avoid writing Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of PARA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Alex Ovechkin has a broken left fibula and is expected to be out four to six weeks, an injury that pauses the Washington Capitals superstar captain’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Alex Ovechkin has a broken left fibula and is expected to be out four to six weeks, an injury that pauses the Washington Capitals superstar captain’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Alex Ovechkin has a broken left fibula and is expected to be out four to six weeks, an injury that pauses the Washington Capitals superstar captain’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record. The Capitals updated Ovechkin’s status Thursday after he was evaluated by team doctors upon returning from a three-game trip. The 39-year-old broke the leg in a shin-on-shin collision Monday night with Utah’s Jack McBain, and some of his closest teammates knew it was not good news even before Ovechkin was listed as week to week and placed on injured reserve. “Everyone’s bummed out,” said winger Tom Wilson, who has played with Ovechkin since 2013. “We were sitting there saying: ‘This is weird. Like, it’s unbelievable that he’s actually hurt.’ It’s one of those things where like, he’s going to miss games? I’ve been around a long time, and it’s new to me.” Ovechkin in his first 19 seasons missed 59 games — and just 35 because of injury. Durability even while throwing his body around with his physical style is a big reason he is on track to pass Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals that once looked unapproachable. “He doesn’t go out there and just coast around,” Wilson said. “He’s played 20 years every shift running over guys and skating. He’s a power forward, the best goal-scorer ever maybe, and he’s a power forward that plays the game really hard.” Ovechkin surged to the top of the league with 15 goals in his first 18 games this season. He was on pace to break the record and score No. 895 sometime in February. “You know when goal-scorers start scoring, it’s dangerous,” said defenseman John Carlson, who has been teammates with Ovechkin since 2009-10. “There was a bit of that in the downs that everyone was feeling about it too, of course. We see him coming to the rink every day, we know what’s at stake. You never want anyone to get injured, but there’s a lot to it and certainly he was playing his best hockey in years.” ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl Advertisement

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Premier League forced to release two Man United VAR statements in freak Ipswich dramaNigeria hosts the , with 3,360. This rapid growth makes the country a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent. This growth comes from factors like a growing population and increasing internet access. However, top venture capital firms' access to funding and investment opportunities significantly drives this success. In 2024, , accounting for nearly 13% of all funding raised by African startups. Also, after securing $110 million in a funding round. Nigeria ranks as one of the top investment destinations in Africa, attracting venture capital firms eager to support its startup ecosystem. These firms offer the funding and mentorship needed to scale your business. I’ll walk you through Nigeria's top venture capital firms in this article. You’ll discover their investment focus, the sectors they support, their key portfolios, and how to find the right venture capital firm for your startup. What are venture capital firms? Venture capital (VC) firms focus on funding startups and businesses with high growth potential. VC funding usually involves exchanging equity or partial ownership. It is often targeted at early-stage startups with innovative ideas. However, even established companies may seek funding at later stages depending on their needs and goals. Startups typically seek funding when they lack the resources to grow independently, need capital to launch a new business, or aim to expand or introduce new technologies. VC firms support tech-driven solutions, such as fintech innovations, agriculture, eCommerce, entertainment, climate, and education, by providing capital, mentorship, and access to valuable networks. Written by seasoned experts, who have over 16 years of experience in Free Zones development. . Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Nigeria’s startup ecosystem is thriving. The top cities in the country with the most vibrant ecosystems include Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. . Top venture capital firms in Nigeria 1. Future Africa , founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, focuses on funding early-stage startups serving the African market. The firm offers founders and startups the funding, mentorship, and support they need to grow their solutions and serve their audience. Future Africa prioritizes key sectors like fintech, healthcare, education, and agriculture. 2. EchoVC Partners is a venture capital firm that funds tech-driven, early-stage startups. Their investment focuses include e-commerce, fintech, health, media, and entertainment. 3. GreenHouse Capital invests in tech companies with innovative ideas and solutions, helping founders to achieve a competitive edge. The firm also founded Venture Garden Group (VGG). Key investment areas include fintech, health, blockchain, and payments. 4. Ventures Platform is a VC firm that invests in African startups solving problems related to non-consumption, democratizing wealth, and addressing infrastructure gaps. Ventures Platform focuses on financial services, health, fintech, and the Internet, investing across seed, pre-seed, and funding rounds. 4. Microtraction funds early-stage tech startups that build globally relevant, high-growth technology businesses operating in billion-dollar markets. Their investment focus includes financial services, fintech, and software, offering pre-seed, seed, and angel funding. 5. TLcom Capital is an Africa-focused tech venture capital firm with offices in Lagos, Nairobi, and London. Their investment focus includes data services, financial services, eCommerce, health, education, energy, media, and entertainment. TLcom actively invests through its TIDE Africa Fund, targeting early- to growth-stage companies. 6. Ingressive Capital invests in early-stage startups, focusing on founders building high-growth tech companies. The firm aims to partner with entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary resources to turn their ideas into successful businesses. Its key investment sectors include logistics and fintech. 7. Launch Africa provides funding for seed and pre-Series A startups. The firm backs startups across multiple sectors, including AI, agritech, fintech, and eCommerce. Consonance Investment managers is an early-stage and growth-stage investment firm that provides funding to founders building innovative companies across Africa. Their investment focus includes startups in financial services, insurance, food distribution, and education. 8. Chrysalis Capital focuses on early-stage technology companies in emerging markets. It has backed startups in sectors such as health and fintech. Additionally, other top venture capital firms in Nigeria include: What makes a good venture capital firm for startups? There are key factors to consider when choosing a venture capital firm for your startup; they include: Industry or sector Don’t just apply to or contact any VC firm. Instead, contact those that focus on your sector. This ensures that the firm understands your market, product, and audience. A VC firm with a different focus from yours can create conflicts of ideas and lead to misalignment. Contacting a VC firm that doesn't focus on your industry may lead to application rejection. Location Some firms only invest locally, in a particular country, while others are open to investing across a broader region, such as Africa. Despite aligning with your industry, they may be funding startups outside your geographic location or target audience. Track record, portfolio, and reputation Analyze the firm’s track record by looking at the projects they’ve partnered with previously and their success stories. Media coverage often highlights the funding and backing of companies, and if your startup is backed by a firm with a negative reputation, it could impact your business negatively. A firm with a strong track record and reputation can attract influential partners, talent, and additional funding. Value-added services and resources Look for VCs offering value-added services beyond money, such as mentorship, advice, connections, exposure, or market access. This means you can leverage the firm’s experience to grow your company and better use the funding you receive. Terms and conditions Thoroughly review the offer's terms and conditions. Have a professional review them before you agree to anything. Being in a cash-tight situation can cause you to overlook terms that could be detrimental to your startup’s growth, autonomy, or control. Consider the terms' flexibility and transparency, and get clear guidelines in advance so you have a point of comparison. Exit strategy Make sure their exit strategy aligns with your company’s long-term goals. Additionally, evaluate the firm’s culture and style to ensure they match your values. How to apply to a VC firm for your startup Understand your startup’s stage and sector You need to identify the stage and sector your startup belongs to since different VC firms focus on various areas. Some specialize in seed or early-stage funding, while others target growth or late-stage rounds. Most importantly, determine whether VC funding is the best option for your startup or if alternatives like grants or angel investors would be a better fit. Research and make a list Research and create a list of VC firms that meet your startup's investment criteria. Evaluate your options Evaluate each firm's suitability for your startup and the value it can bring beyond funding. Consider factors such as their expertise, track record, and network to determine if they are the right fit. Conduct due diligence Conduct due diligence on each VC firm. Find out which fund the investment will come from and the current status of that fund. Investigate how investment decisions are made and connect with founders or startups the firm has previously backed to ask questions. Once you've identified firms that align with your goals, move on to the next step. Reach out and pitch Decide how you’ll reach out to the VC firms. Some founders prefer warm introductions by building relationships first or leveraging someone connected to the firm. Others choose to send cold emails or apply directly if the firm has an open application process. Prepare a compelling pitch and other required materials to make a strong impression. Be ready to address any questions or objections the VCs may have. Negotiate and close the deal It's time to negotiate and close the deal after selecting the right VC firm and going through their evaluation or interview stages. Work closely with your lawyer to carefully review and negotiate the terms of the investment to ensure they align with your startup's goals and expectations. Key finalizing points include valuation, equity stake, exit strategy, and how the funding will be received. Once the agreement is signed, the deal is officially closed, and you’ll receive the funding. Challenges Nigerian startups face in securing venture capital Despite recent growth, 51% of startups in Nigeria still struggle to secure funding. Many startups also rely on angel investors, debt financing, and grants to stay afloat. However, in 2022, , and some states have started domesticating it. This Act aims to create an environment where you can attract investments, enjoy tax breaks, and benefit from streamlined regulations. FAQs on venture capital firms in Nigeria How does venture capital work? Venture capital works when investors, known as venture capitalists, provide funding to early or growth-stage startups in exchange for equity or ownership stakes. You pitch your business idea to VCs, who evaluate it. If they’re interested and both parties agree on terms, they fund your business, often in multiple rounds, as your company progresses through different growth stages. What are the benefits and challenges of getting venture capital funds? Venture capital offers you several benefits, including access to funding, expertise, and mentorship. However, the process is competitive and can take time. You’ll have to give up a portion of ownership and control. There are also high expectations for growth and returns, which can create significant pressure. Is venture capital right for my company? To decide, evaluate your company’s growth stage, industry, and objectives. Venture capital is ideal for high-growth startups with innovative products or services targeting large markets. If your startup cannot deliver on the terms of the fund, you may consider other alternatives. What is the role of venture capital firms in Nigeria? These firms provide funding to startups when they lack the cash to build, grow, and scale. They also offer mentorship and networking opportunities to help them succeed. How do VC firms choose which startups to invest in? VC firms have criteria such as industry focus and geography. They look at your market potential, innovative solutions, team expertise, and scalability before deciding to invest. What industries attract the most VC funding in Nigeria? Typically, high-growth potential industries. Fintech, healthtech, agritech, e-commerce, and climate tech, among others, attract significant VC funding in Nigeria. How can I secure funding from VC firms? To secure funding, you need an innovative solution, strong market potential, and a compelling pitch that convinces VC firms to invest in your startup. Conclusion Venture capital plays an important role in driving innovation in Nigeria by providing startups with the funding they need. Across various industries, it has fueled the growth of startups and helped them thrive.

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Quoin Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. ( NASDAQ:QNRX – Get Free Report ) COO Denise P. Carter acquired 555,556 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 23rd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $0.45 per share, with a total value of $250,000.20. Following the purchase, the chief operating officer now owns 602,648 shares in the company, valued at $271,191.60. The trade was a 1,179.72 % increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Quoin Pharmaceuticals Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ:QNRX opened at $0.55 on Friday. Quoin Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. has a 52-week low of $0.43 and a 52-week high of $6.18. The company has a market capitalization of $2.78 million, a PE ratio of -0.14 and a beta of 1.79. The company has a fifty day moving average of $0.68 and a 200-day moving average of $0.63. Quoin Pharmaceuticals Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Quoin Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quoin Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .'Retaliatory' attacks from Afghanistan repulsedIsraeli leaders back Trump’s pledge on hostages

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Chandigarh, Dec 28 (PTI) The Haryana Cabinet on Saturday approved amendments in the Common Eligibility Test policy to remove the grant of five per cent bonus marks to certain candidates based on socioeconomic criteria for government jobs in Group C and D posts. The government decision follows a May 31 order by the high court on the matter. The approval was given in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday, an official statement said. "As per the amendments, the 5 per cent weightage for social economic criteria provided for the bona fide residents of Haryana has been removed. The said amendments have been done as per the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court," said the statement. The amended policy will be called Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, (Amendment) Rule, 2024, it said. In May, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had struck down the state government's policy of granting five per cent bonus marks based on the socioeconomic status of the candidate from the state, in the CET for groups C and D posts. Later, in June, the Supreme Court had upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court order. The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission against the Punjab and Haryana High Court's May 31 order. The statement said, "The Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, (Amendment) Rule, 2024 shall apply to direct recruitment to Group C posts including the posts of police service, prisons and home guards etc, excluding the teaching posts, ex-Agniveer and Group D posts for which minimum educational qualification is below matriculation..." "Furthermore, after the amendment, now the maximum number of eligible candidates to appear for the skill and/or written examination shall be ten times the total number of posts advertised by the Commission. Earlier, the candidates equal to four times the number of posts advertised were eligible to appear," the statement said. On May 5, 2022, the state government introduced Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group C and D posts. In another decision, the cabinet approved the decision to bring an ordinance for further amending the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024. Under this amendment, the phrase "in a calendar year" will be replaced with "during a period of one year of contractual service." This amendment is being introduced to address request raised by contractual employees regarding the calculation of their service days, the statement said. Employees had requested that the 240-day service requirement be calculated based on the actual number of days during a one-year period of contractual service, instead of a calendar year. The current system posed challenges for employees who joined between May and December, as the service days for their first year of employment were not being fully counted. "For instance, employees whose date of joining falls after May and before December would not meet the 240-day service requirement for their first calendar year of service, thus affecting their job security," it said. "In addition, for the year 2024, employees raised concerns as the number of days until the cut-off date of August 15, 2024, is only 227, which falls short of the required 240 days," it added. In response to these requests, the Haryana Cabinet has approved the amendment to consider 240 days of service during a period of one year of contractual service, thereby addressing these issues and ensuring better job security for contractual employees, it said. Under the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024, the benefit of job security is admissible to those contractual employees who fulfil the five years contractual service before August 15, 2024, the statement added. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

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