TROOPS, INC. ANNOUNCES RECEIPT OF INITIAL PAYMENT TOWARD STRATEGIC INVESTMENT BY WANG & LEE GROUP, INC.

Rhea-AI Summary

TROOPS (NASDAQ: TROO) has received the initial portion of a strategic investment exceeding $10 million from Wang & Lee Group (NASDAQ: WLGS), expected to complete by mid-April 2025. The investment, announced on March 31, 2025, aims to integrate AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies across TROOPS' portfolio.

The partnership focuses on three key areas:

• AI-driven advertising platforms for tenant engagement
• IoT smart home devices for energy efficiency and security
• Blockchain ESG rewards system for sustainable practices

The strategic roadmap includes scaling IoT and AI systems across up to 200 buildings, developing ESG token partnerships, and integrating renewable energy solutions through Wang & Lee's Solar (HK) acquisition. This collaboration aims to enhance asset value and tenant retention while strengthening TROOPS' liquidity position.

Positive

• Secured strategic investment exceeding $10 million, strengthening liquidity position
• Potential expansion of IoT and AI systems to 200 buildings
• Integration with Solar (HK) for renewable energy solutions
• Development of new revenue streams through AI-driven advertising and ESG token system

Negative

• Implementation timeline and costs for technology integration not specified
• Success of ESG token system dependent on future partnerships
• Significant technological transformation carries execution risks

Insights

Financial Analyst

TROOPS' receipt of the initial payment toward a $10+ million strategic investment from Wang & Lee represents a substantial capital infusion for a company with a $91.6 million market cap. This investment—exceeding 10% of TROOPS' total market value—materially strengthens the company's liquidity position while potentially accelerating its technology transformation.

The structured investment approach, with completion expected by mid-April 2025, provides near-term financial stability while establishing a framework for the technology partnership. For micro-cap companies, securing investments of this magnitude typically signals strong institutional confidence in the business model and future growth potential.

What's particularly notable is how this partnership could reshape TROOPS' revenue model. The AI-driven advertising platforms mentioned could create high-margin recurring revenue streams beyond traditional property management. Similarly, IoT implementation across properties may increase tenant retention and justify premium pricing. The blockchain ESG rewards system, while innovative, will require careful execution to deliver tangible financial benefits.

The potential scaling across 200 buildings creates significant operational leverage if successfully implemented. However, investors should note the press release lacks specific financial projections or ROI timelines for these technology initiatives. The integration with Wang & Lee's Solar acquisition suggests potential cost synergies through renewable energy implementation, though execution complexity remains a consideration.

Technology Strategist

This investment establishes a technology-forward strategy for TROOPS through three distinct but complementary initiatives. The AI-driven advertising platform represents the most immediate revenue opportunity—leveraging tenant data to create hyper-targeted advertising ecosystems within commercial properties. This approach has proven successful in similar implementations, potentially creating new revenue streams from previously unutilized assets.

The IoT smart home integration presents both energy efficiency improvements and enhanced security—key differentiators in competitive property markets. By prioritizing these technologies, TROOPS positions itself beyond traditional property management toward a technology-enabled experience provider. The implementation complexity shouldn't be underestimated, particularly across diverse property types and existing infrastructure limitations.

Most intriguing is the blockchain ESG rewards system, which demonstrates forward thinking about tenant engagement. By tokenizing sustainable behaviors, TROOPS creates behavioral incentives while generating valuable sustainability metrics. The mentioned partnerships with electric vehicle companies and eco-product vendors suggests a comprehensive ecosystem approach rather than isolated technology deployment.

Wang & Lee's expertise will be crucial for successful implementation, particularly in integrating these disparate technologies into a cohesive platform. The strategic alignment with Wang & Lee's Solar acquisition creates natural synergies for renewable energy integration. This multi-faceted technology approach—spanning advertising, IoT, blockchain, and renewable energy—requires sophisticated project management but establishes meaningful differentiation for TROOPS' property portfolio.

HONG KONG, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TROOPS, Inc. (NASDAQ: TROO) (the "Company" or "TROOPS") today announced it has received the initial tranche of a strategic investment exceeding US$10 million from Wang & Lee Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WLGS) ("Wang & Lee") which is expected to be complete by mid-April 2025. This milestone underscores the rapid progression of the partnership announced by Wang & Lee on March 31, 2025, aimed at integrating cutting-edge AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies across TROOPS' portfolio.

Accelerating Innovation in Smart Communities

This initial investment marks a critical step in realizing the shared vision of TROOPS and Wang & Lee of creating smarter, greener communities. With Wang & Lee's expertise and resources, TROOPS is poised to redefine urban living through technology that prioritizes sustainability, convenience, and financial value for stakeholders.

• AI-Driven Advertising Platforms: Hyper-targeted advertising solutions to enhance tenant engagement and building revenue.
• IoT Smart Home Devices: Installation of energy-efficient, security-enhanced systems in select properties.
• Blockchain Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Rewards: Development of a tokenized ecosystem to incentivize sustainable practices among tenants and visitors.

Strategic Roadmap

1. Technology Integration: potential scaling IoT and AI smart home systems across up to 200 buildings.
2. ESG Token Rollout: partnerships with electric vehicle insurers, lenders, and eco-product vendors to expand token redemption opportunities.
3. Operational Synergies: Leveraging Wang & Lee's recent acquisition of Solar (HK) Limited to integrate renewable energy solutions.

Financial and Market Outlook

TROOPS' collaboration with Wang & Lee aligns with its strategy to enhance asset value and tenant retention while addressing global ESG priorities while the investment further strengthens TROOPS' liquidity position.

Safe Harbor and Informational Statement

This announcement contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those with respect to the objectives, plans and strategies of the Company set forth herein and those preceded by or that include the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "future," "will," "intend," "plan," "estimate" or similar expressions, are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, the effectiveness of the Company's multiple-brand, multiple channel strategy and the transitioning of its product development and sales focus and to a "light-asset" model, Although the Company's management believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that such expectations are, or will be, correct. These forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's future results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements can change as a result of many possible events or factors not all of which are known to the Company, which may include, without limitation, our ability to have effective internal control over financial reporting; our success in designing and distributing products under brands licensed from others; management of sales trend and client mix; possibility of securing loans and other financing without efficient fixed assets as collaterals; changes in government policy in China; China's overall economic conditions and local market economic conditions; our ability to expand through strategic acquisitions and establishment of new locations; compliance with government regulations; legislation or regulatory environments; geopolitical events, and other events and/or risks outlined in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F and other filings. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the issuance, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About TROOPS, Inc.

TROOPS, Inc. is a conglomerate group of various businesses with its headquarters based in Hong Kong. The group is principally engaged in (a) money lending business in Hong Kong providing mortgage loans to high quality target borrowers (b) property investment to generate rental income and (c) the development, operation and management of an online financial marketplace that provides one-stop financial technology solutions including API services by leveraging artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain, and cloud computing (SaaS). The group's vision is to operate as a conglomerate to build synergy within its own sustainable ecosystem thereby creating value to its shareholders.

For more information about TROOPS, Inc., please visit our investor relations website: www.troops.co 

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SOURCE TROOPS

FAQ

What is the size of Wang & Lee Group's strategic investment in TROOPS (TROO)?

Wang & Lee Group is making a strategic investment exceeding $10 million in TROOPS (TROO), with the initial tranche received and full completion expected by mid-April 2025.

How many buildings will TROOPS (TROO) implement its IoT and AI smart systems in?

TROOPS plans to potentially scale its IoT and AI smart home systems across up to 200 buildings.

What are the three main technology initiatives in TROOPS (TROO) and Wang & Lee's partnership?

The partnership focuses on AI-driven advertising platforms, IoT smart home devices for energy efficiency, and a blockchain ESG rewards system.

When will TROOPS (TROO) complete the strategic investment from Wang & Lee Group?

The strategic investment is expected to be completed by mid-April 2025.