Latest news with #Kaltak
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Own, a new social media app, aims to tokenize the creator economy
With the TikTok deadline to sell its U.S. operations now just two days away, a new decentralized social media app launched its beta to the public on Tuesday. Own is the latest alternative to TikTok to emerge, featuring a swipeable feed for not just short videos but also text posts and images, as well as other features you'd expect, like direct messaging. However, the new app aims to disrupt the market by utilizing blockchain technology and a token economy. Most notably, content creators on the app can earn revenue without any minimum requirements for follower count or post count. The app was developed by Amir Kaltak (CEO) and Katia Zaitsev (COO), who previously co-founded web3 company Lexit. Notably, the app was also co-created by Sarah Mick (CCO), who has experience working at major dating apps Tinder and Bumble. Key highlights include the $OWN Token, which is rewarded to creators based on video engagement and is fully tradeable. Own operates on Base Layer 2 blockchain, ensuring secure transactions and content ownership. Kaltak believes this will be a game-changer for creators, especially since they earn tokens regardless of their location. 'Most creators around the world don't have access to monetization on major social platforms simply because of their location. With Own, we've built a system that levels the playing field and opens up real earning potential for creators globally,' he told TechCrunch. Kaltak adds that a portion of the platform's cash revenue is used to buy $OWN Tokens from exchanges for distribution to creators. 'We're tokenizing the creator economy in a way that rewards creators fairly while creating consistent buy-side demand for the token on the open market, which contributes to long-term price resilience and sustainability,' he said. Rewarding creators with in-app tokens has become a common practice, particularly in regions outside the U.S. One example is Chingari, a short-form video app that has attracted over 180 million users in India. Other forms of monetization include tipping, brand sponsorships, and selling items on Own Shop (the app's version of TikTok Shop). The app promises that creators can earn up to 50% more than on other platforms. Specifically, in the case of tipping, Own takes only 20% of the revenue, whereas TikTok takes 50%. For sponsorships, creators retain 90% of the earnings, with only 10% going to Own. Creators benefit most from Own Shops, keeping 95% of the revenue while Own takes just 5%. The monetization features, including tokens, are expected to be available sometime in the third quarter, between July and September. Meanwhile, Own Shop is expected to roll out as a beta sometime between October and December. Another revenue stream is content licensing. Each piece of content has proven ownership and origin, tracked on the blockchain, allowing creators to license their content while maintaining their rights. So, for example, creators can resell their content to brands for use in marketing campaigns and earn 90% of the revenue, while Own takes a 10% cut. The ranking system is also an interesting feature. Viewers have the ability to interact with content by pressing the up or down arrows to cast their votes—upvoting or downvoting posts in a manner reminiscent of platforms like Reddit. Creators who receive a higher number of upvotes can climb the leaderboard, gaining greater exposure. 'Owning your content, consumer agency, global equal pay, equal opportunity to go viral, making meaningful connections, and empowering people through self-expression and fair pay are at the forefront of correcting the current problems with social media,' Mick told TechCrunch. 'Without higher platform support and higher expectations of app ability for these creators, you're ultimately doing a disservice to their loyal fans.' Own is now available for free in the App Store and Google Play Store. The company claims to have nearly 40,000 people on the waitlist. To date, the startup has raised over $5 million from Sarah Mick, Michael Terpin (Transform Ventures), Saba Capital, Base Spin Capital, and Stoka Global.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Klein double lifts Roar to ALM win over Mariners
Samuel Klein has scored a double to fire Brisbane Roar to a 2-1 win over Central Coast and spoil Mariners defender Brian Kaltak's farewell. The Mariners needed less than three minutes to hit the scoreboard on Friday in their final A-League Men home-and-away game, with Arthur De Lima giving the home side at Industree Group Stadium the lead with a headed goal. But Klein soon took matters into his own hands, levelling the scores in the 17th minute before completing his brace in the 50th. With finals ruled out after 15 defeats, the 12th-placed Roar (21 points) at least finish the season with a win and a four-game unbeaten streak. They miss out on the finals for the fourth season in a row. Two goals in 33 minutes 🔥🔥 21-year-old Sam Klein is having a night to remember to end season 24/25! A brace sees the youngster become @brisbaneroar's top goalscorer for the campaign - he's a midfielder!Watch #CCMvBRI live and exclusive NOW on Paramount+ 📺 — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) May 2, 2025 Defending champions and premiers Central Coast farewell Kaltak sitting 10th (26 points) with their 10th defeat of the season. The 31-year-old has yet to lock in his future, having indicated aspirations to play in Asia. Kaltak leaves the Mariner after playing an instrumental role in their historic treble chase last season. The Vanuatu captain quickly became the rock at the heart of the Mariners' defence after signing his first professional contract in 2023, having joined the ALM outfit as an injury replacement. Playing 101 games in all competitions, Kaltak boasts two championships, a premiership and an AFC Cup in his CV. Central Coast could drop to 11th if Wellington (24 points) defeat last-placed Perth Glory (14) on Sunday. Mariners striker Alou Kuol fluffed a golden opportunity in the 33rd minute, failing to put on the finishing touches with his non-preferred left foot in front of an open goal after burning off defender Lucas Herrington and goalkeeper Matt Acton. Central Coast's 17-year-old star Haine Eames forced two superb saves in the opening half from Acton after slicing shots through the congestion in the box. Eames's 82nd-minute attempt beat an outstretched Acton, only to be denied by the post. Fellow teenager Miguel Di Pizio came off the bench and tried his luck in the 76th minute with a laser kick, but Acton again held his nerve.
Perth Now
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Klein double lifts Roar to ALM win over Mariners
Samuel Klein has scored a double to fire Brisbane Roar to a 2-1 win over Central Coast and spoil Mariners defender Brian Kaltak's farewell. The Mariners needed less than three minutes to hit the scoreboard on Friday in their final A-League Men home-and-away game, with Arthur De Lima giving the home side at Industree Group Stadium the lead with a headed goal. But Klein soon took matters into his own hands, levelling the scores in the 17th minute before completing his brace in the 50th. With finals ruled out after 15 defeats, the 12th-placed Roar (21 points) at least finish the season with a win and a four-game unbeaten streak. They miss out on the finals for the fourth season in a row. Defending champions and premiers Central Coast farewell Kaltak sitting 10th (26 points) with their 10th defeat of the season. The 31-year-old has yet to lock in his future, having indicated aspirations to play in Asia. Kaltak leaves the Mariner after playing an instrumental role in their historic treble chase last season. The Vanuatu captain quickly became the rock at the heart of the Mariners' defence after signing his first professional contract in 2023, having joined the ALM outfit as an injury replacement. Playing 101 games in all competitions, Kaltak boasts two championships, a premiership and an AFC Cup in his CV. Central Coast could drop to 11th if Wellington (24 points) defeat last-placed Perth Glory (14) on Sunday. Mariners striker Alou Kuol fluffed a golden opportunity in the 33rd minute, failing to put on the finishing touches with his non-preferred left foot in front of an open goal after burning off defender Lucas Herrington and goalkeeper Matt Acton. Central Coast's 17-year-old star Haine Eames forced two superb saves in the opening half from Acton after slicing shots through the congestion in the box. Eames's 82nd-minute attempt beat an outstretched Acton, only to be denied by the post. Fellow teenager Miguel Di Pizio came off the bench and tried his luck in the 76th minute with a laser kick, but Acton again held his nerve.
RNZ News
23-04-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Pasifika Sipoti in brief for 23 April
Brian Kaltak, left, in Vanuatu colours. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Vanuatu football captain Brian Kaltak could be set to leave Central Coast Mariners FC. The Vanuatu Daily Post reported Mariners coach Mark Jason revealed the news after the Mariners' 2-2 draw against Macarthur on Easter Sunday. Jason said Kaltak, who played his 100th game for the club on Sunday, is heading to Asia. He said the club wants to keep him but "he's set on moving overseas-and we respect that". Kaltak has become a fan favourite in Gosford, helping guide the side to a championship title in 2023 and playing a major role in their treble-title-winning campaign last year. A number of players with Pasifika heritage have been named in the Wallaroos squad for their 2025 commitments, including a test against the Fijiana Drua women on 3 May. The list includes Brumbies forward Tabua Tuinakauvandra who debuted for the Wallaroos against Fiji in 2023. Other players in the squad include Waratahs' Faliki Pohiva, who is of Tongan descent, and Brumbies player Katalina Amosa who has Samoan heritage. The Wallaroos will also compete in the Pacific Four series, with home matches against New Zealand, USA and Canada. Tonga Rugby League reportedly wants to host a Pacific Cup clash in Nuku'alofa from this year. 1News reported Tonga league coach Kristian Woolf is backing the plan. RNZ Pacific has reached out to Tonga League board chairman, Lord Fakafanua, for confirmation. Tonga will play the Pacific Cup series in October and November this year against Samoa and New Zealand. Samoa national sports association president, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, says they have not confirmed their Pacific Mini Games team yet. The Samoa Observer reported Tuaopepe saying the association is still working on securing funding before confirming their team, saying taking a team to Palau "is very expensive". Tuaopepe confirmed their selection criteria for athletes is "winning gold medals from past Pacific Games and Oceania Championships", saying their aim is to achieve "nothing less than gold medals". The Pacific Mini Games will roll off in Koror, Palau on 29 June. The Apia Park complex in the Samoan capital is set to undergo a major facelift. Samoa's Ministry of Sports and Recreation has confirmed that, effective immediately, the three grandstands located on the Western side of the Grand Stadium at Apia Park, will be closed off. The grandstands will be demolished, making way for the construction of a new and improved sports stadium. The plan of action has been approved by the Samoan Cabinet, following recommendations provided by the Chinese team, who are overseeing the maintenance and upgrade of the Apia Park complex.
