Professional Diversity Network Inc. Announces a Compliance-Driven Web 3.0 Investment and Launches Revamped Website for Job Seekers and Employers

CHICAGO, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (NASDAQ:IPDN) ("PDN" or the "Company"), a global developer and operator of online networks that provides access to networking, training, and employment opportunities for diverse professionals, today announced it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OOKC Group, a Dubai-based financial technology enterprise. Together, the parties intend to develop the world's first compliance-driven Web3.0 digital investment banking platform. The initiative will focus on the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), Web3.0 project financing, decentralized capital structures, and cross-border regulatory innovation.

Mr. Wu, Chief Executive Officer of PDN, commented, "This collaboration with a leading Web3.0 technology enterprise represents a significant strategic step for PDN as we begin to explore opportunities in the virtual asset and digital finance markets. Subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement, we aim to provide global Web3.0 enterprises with specialized financing, product development, and market expansion services—fueling growth and innovation across the AI and Web3.0 ecosystems."

Sarah Xu, Co-Founder of OOKC Group, added, "We believe this partnership will open a new chapter for Web3.0 enterprises worldwide. By integrating compliance and blockchain technology, our digital investment banking platform will enable secure, transparent fundraising and circulation for assets and projects on a global scale."

Today the Company also announced TalentAlly, the job board dedicated to connecting underrepresented talent with inclusive employers, will launch an updated website at talentally.com. The redesigned site features a sleek, modern look with improved navigation and enhanced functionality for both job seekers and employers.

"We set out to build more than just a job board — we wanted to create a destination that supports career growth for job seekers while making it easier for inclusive employers to engage with top talent," said Russell Esquivel, Jr., President of TalentAlly. "This updated site strengthens both sides of that connection."

This improvement comes at a time when the recruitment industry is on an upswing, fueled by digital and AI transformations, an increasingly flexible workforce, and high-need industries. Global Market Insights projects that the global recruitment outsourcing market size will increase from $10.3 billion to $11 billion in 2025, reaching $25.8 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 9.9%. TalentAlly, in particular, has seen 44.3% increase in monthly site visitors and 79.8% increase in monthly page views since January 2025.

For job seekers, the upgraded job search tool makes finding the right opportunities simpler and more effective. TalentAlly will also add a comprehensive resource center designed to support professionals at all career levels, including practical guidance on resumes, cover letters, networking, and interviewing, plus workplace success skills such as conflict resolution, leadership development, and professional growth recommendations. Employers will benefit from a streamlined experience with clearer pathways to partner with TalentAlly. The site highlights industry-specific pages that showcase successful outcomes in targeted fields and new talent acquisition resources about building productive and inclusive hiring practices.

The enhancements are expected to boost engagement across the platform, leading to more return visits from job seekers, more job views and applications for employers, and ultimately, stronger career matches.

About OOKC Group

OOKC Group is a fintech company focused on building infrastructure for digital capital markets. Its mission is to "bridge reality and the virtual world, reshaping the global flow of capital." Headquartered in Dubai, OOKC maintains offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Toronto. Its two core divisions include OOKC Capital, which provides Web3.0 asset investment advisory, fundraising compliance design, liquidity services, and M&A structuring; and OOKC Labs, which specializes in technology development, on-chain data analytics, risk management models, and compliance research, while supporting early-stage Web3.0 and AI companies with strategic investment and incubation.

OOKC is actively expanding in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa, promoting institutional adoption and compliance in digital assets and advising governments on digital economy and stablecoin solutions.

About TalentAlly

TalentAlly is a developer and operator of online and in-person networks that provides access to networking, training, educational and employment opportunities for diverse professionals. Through an online platform and our relationship recruitment affinity groups, we provide our employer clients a means to identify and acquire diverse talent and assist them with their efforts to recruit diverse employees. Our mission is to bridge the gap between diverse individuals and inclusive companies by providing a platform that empowers job seekers in their pursuit of fulfilling careers. We envision a world where individuals from minority groups have equal opportunities to thrive in workplaces that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For more information about TalentAlly, please visit www.talentally.com.

About Professional Diversity Network, Inc (IPDN)

TalentAlly is a business unit operated by Professional Diversity Network, Inc.

For more information about Professional Diversity Network, Inc, please visit www.ipdn.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains information about IPDN's view of its future expectations, plans, and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: any projections of earnings, revenue, or other financial items; any statements regarding the adequacy, availability, and sources of capital, any statements of the plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding the future benefits of the investment described in this release, including the development of new revenue streams or the availability of distributions on any securities; any statements relating to the future reinstatement of the license described in this release by the applicable regulatory authorities; any statements concerning proposed new products, services, or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. IPDN may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors, or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about PDN's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, whether known or unknown, and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "will make," "will be," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "endeavor to," "is/are likely to," or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and PDN undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable law.

Press Contact for IPDN:

Professional Diversity Network, Inc.

Tel: (312) 614-0950

Email: [email protected]