Orange Group Advisors to Lead Investor Relations; Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies to Support Government Affairs and Regulatory Engagement Across the Company&#39;s TVA-Region FootprintStamford,

<p>Orange Group Advisors to Lead Investor Relations; Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies to Support Government Affairs and Regulatory Engagement Across the Company's TVA-Region Footprint</p><p>Stamford, Connecticut--(Newsfile Corp. - July 10, 2026) - Sphere 3D Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ANY">ANY</a>) ("Sphere 3D" or the "Company"), a digital infrastructure company focused on operating and expanding scalable power and data center assets for high-performance computing ("HPC"), artificial intelligence ("AI") workloads, and digital asset infrastructure, today announced engagements with three specialized firms to support its investor relations and Tennessee government-affairs functions. The additions come as the Company explores positioning its approximately 53 MW of power-ready infrastructure across the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") region for AI and HPC deployment.</p><p><b>Orange Group Advisors, Investor Relations. </b>Orange Group Advisors ("OG") has been engaged as Sphere 3D's investor relations partner. OG is a global investor relations and capital markets advisory firm focused exclusively on Bitcoin and AI infrastructure, with sector expertise spanning miners, infrastructure operators, treasury companies, fintech, and AI compute. The engagement reflects the Company's view that sector-specialized investor relations support is essential to communicating its positioning toward AI and high-performance compute workloads.</p><p><b>Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies, State and Regional Engagement. </b>Sphere 3D has engaged Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies to support the Company's government affairs and regulatory engagement across Tennessee, the geographic anchor of its TVA-region operating footprint. State and regional relationships are central to executing the Company's strategy, where energy access, permitting, and stakeholder engagement are foundational to deploying power-intensive AI and HPC infrastructure at scale.</p><p>Laine Communications, led by founder and President Chuck Laine, brings more than 30 years of experience in Tennessee government affairs, economic development, and stakeholder engagement, with a track record of coalition building and regulatory negotiation on complex matters affecting energy, industrial, and infrastructure clients. </p><p>White Oak Strategies, founded by Michael Sullivan, brings deep experience across Tennessee's political, governmental, and operational landscape. Sullivan is the former Executive Director of the Tennessee Republican Party and served as State Director in U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty's office before founding White Oak.</p><p>These engagements are designed to support Sphere 3D's existing operations and planned expansion across the TVA service territory, including coordination with state and local stakeholders as the Company positions its power-ready infrastructure for AI and high-performance compute deployment.</p><p>The engagements follow the Company's recently announced proposal to rebrand itself as DarkHorse Technologies Inc., under the reserved Nasdaq ticker "DRK," subject to shareholder approval at a Special Meeting of the Company's shareholders on August 24, 2026. The proposed identity reflects the Company's positioning around overlooked, distribution-connected power capacity and the disciplined, unconventional execution path the Company has pursued since the June 2026 business combination.</p><p>"The market for AI and high-performance computing is moving toward operators who already control power-ready infrastructure, and that is precisely where our Company is positioned," said Joel Block, Chief Executive Officer of Sphere 3D. "These engagements bring specialized capability to the functions that matter most as we execute against that opportunity. Orange Group brings the sector specialization to communicate our positioning to the investor base most relevant to our strategy, and Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies bring the Tennessee experience and regional relationships that are central to advancing our infrastructure in the TVA region. Each firm was selected for a specific capability the work ahead requires."</p><p><b>About Sphere 3D Corp.</b></p><p>Sphere 3D Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ANY">ANY</a>) is a digital infrastructure company focused on operating and expanding scalable power and data center assets for high-performance computing, AI workloads, and digital asset infrastructure. Following its business combination with Cathedra Bitcoin, Sphere 3D operates a diversified platform with approximately 53 MW of operating power capacity across multiple U.S. data center locations and a development pipeline exceeding 100 MW of potential expansion opportunities. The Company combines infrastructure ownership, energy optimization expertise, and capital markets access to pursue long-term value creation across next-generation compute infrastructure. The Company has proposed to rebrand itself as DarkHorse Technologies Inc. under the reserved Nasdaq ticker "DRK," subject to shareholder approval at a Special Meeting of the Company's shareholders on August 24, 2026. For more information, visit <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/XEWRNfPzEg">www.sphere3d.com</a>.</p><div id="contactInfo"><p><b>Contacts</b></p><p>For further information, please contact:<br /><a href="mailto:Investor.relations@sphere3d.com">Investor.relations@sphere3d.com</a></p></div><p><b>Forward-Looking Statements</b></p><p>This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events, including statements in this press release regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company, particularly regarding the engagement of the firms described herein and the Company's planned growth and vertical integration and expansion into high-performance compute and AI infrastructure, and the Company's proposed rebrand to DarkHorse Technologies Inc. and related change of its Nasdaq ticker symbol to "DRK," which remain subject to shareholder approval and Nasdaq processing and may not occur on the anticipated timeline or at all. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Expectations and beliefs regarding matters discussed herein may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this communication are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including general market conditions and those more fully described in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including Sphere 3D's reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 8-K and in other filings made by Sphere 3D with the SEC from time to time and available at <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/DOQMGinx5M">www.sec.gov</a>. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, which are subject to change. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. The Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by applicable securities laws.</p><p id="corporateNewsLogoContainer"><img src="https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1705/304598_81ddf271247dd9b6_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" /></p><p id="corporateLinkBack">To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/rpbKWuq7ZP">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304598</a></p><p><img src="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/304598/197" alt="" /></p>

Sphere 3D Advances AI Infrastructure Strategy with New Investor Relations and Government Relations Partners

Sphere 3D hires IR and regional firms as TVA AI infra push advances

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Orange Group Advisors to Lead Investor Relations; Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies to Support Government Affairs and Regulatory Engagement Across the Company&amp;#39;s TVA-Region FootprintStamford,</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Sphere 3D disclosed three partnerships to boost IR and regulatory efforts as it targets TVA-region AI and HPC deployments from about 53 MW of power-ready infrastructure. The company also plans to rebrand as DarkHorse Technologies Inc. with ticker DRK, subject to August 24, 2026 shareholder approval, signaling a strategic branding and growth trajectory.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Sphere 3D hires Orange Group Advisors for investor relations.</li><li>Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies handle Tennessee government engagement.</li><li>Company targets 53 MW TVA-region power-ready infra for AI/HPC.</li><li>Rebrand to DarkHorse Technologies Inc. with ticker DRK awaiting approval.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Sphere 3D Corp. (ANY)</strong>: Core business; 53 MW power-ready infra, 100+ MW pipeline; rebranding to DRK underway.</li><li><strong>Orange Group Advisors</strong>: IR partner focused on AI infrastructure; supports investor communications.</li><li><strong>Laine Communications</strong>: TN government affairs; regulatory engagement experience.</li><li><strong>White Oak Strategies</strong>: TN political/regulatory landscape; governance relations.</li><li><strong>DarkHorse Technologies Inc. (DRK)</strong>: Proposed new Nasdaq ticker; shareholder approval Aug 24, 2026; branding strategy.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>Category: Corporate Developments. The piece centers on governance and investor-relations strategies tied to Sphere 3D&#039;s AI/HPC infrastructure plans, including a potential rebrand to DRK, which could influence investor perception and valuation if execution aligns with regulatory progress.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>IR/regulatory engagements could ease permitting and stakeholder approvals.</li><li>53 MW capacity supports near-term AI/HPC deployment in TVA region.</li><li>Rebrand to DRK pending Aug 24 vote could trigger re-rating.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>53 MW operating capacity; pipeline exceeding 100 MW.</li><li>Company completed business combination with Cathedra Bitcoin in June 2026.</li><li>Engagements announced July 10, 2026 with IR and regulatory firms.</li><li>Special Meeting August 24, 2026 to approve rebrand to DRK.</li><li>Nasdaq ticker DRK reserved.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Bullish near-term on regulatory progress and branding pivot; monitor Aug 24, 2026 vote.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p>Orange Group Advisors to Lead Investor Relations; Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies to Support Government Affairs and Regulatory Engagement Across the Company's TVA-Region Footprint</p><p>Stamford, Connecticut--(Newsfile Corp. - July 10, 2026) - Sphere 3D Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ANY">ANY</a>) ("Sphere 3D" or the "Company"), a digital infrastructure company focused on operating and expanding scalable power and data center assets for high-performance computing ("HPC"), artificial intelligence ("AI") workloads, and digital asset infrastructure, today announced engagements with three specialized firms to support its investor relations and Tennessee government-affairs functions. The additions come as the Company explores positioning its approximately 53 MW of power-ready infrastructure across the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") region for AI and HPC deployment.</p><p><b>Orange Group Advisors, Investor Relations. </b>Orange Group Advisors ("OG") has been engaged as Sphere 3D's investor relations partner. OG is a global investor relations and capital markets advisory firm focused exclusively on Bitcoin and AI infrastructure, with sector expertise spanning miners, infrastructure operators, treasury companies, fintech, and AI compute. The engagement reflects the Company's view that sector-specialized investor relations support is essential to communicating its positioning toward AI and high-performance compute workloads.</p><p><b>Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies, State and Regional Engagement. </b>Sphere 3D has engaged Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies to support the Company's government affairs and regulatory engagement across Tennessee, the geographic anchor of its TVA-region operating footprint. State and regional relationships are central to executing the Company's strategy, where energy access, permitting, and stakeholder engagement are foundational to deploying power-intensive AI and HPC infrastructure at scale.</p><p>Laine Communications, led by founder and President Chuck Laine, brings more than 30 years of experience in Tennessee government affairs, economic development, and stakeholder engagement, with a track record of coalition building and regulatory negotiation on complex matters affecting energy, industrial, and infrastructure clients. </p><p>White Oak Strategies, founded by Michael Sullivan, brings deep experience across Tennessee's political, governmental, and operational landscape. Sullivan is the former Executive Director of the Tennessee Republican Party and served as State Director in U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty's office before founding White Oak.</p><p>These engagements are designed to support Sphere 3D's existing operations and planned expansion across the TVA service territory, including coordination with state and local stakeholders as the Company positions its power-ready infrastructure for AI and high-performance compute deployment.</p><p>The engagements follow the Company's recently announced proposal to rebrand itself as DarkHorse Technologies Inc., under the reserved Nasdaq ticker "DRK," subject to shareholder approval at a Special Meeting of the Company's shareholders on August 24, 2026. The proposed identity reflects the Company's positioning around overlooked, distribution-connected power capacity and the disciplined, unconventional execution path the Company has pursued since the June 2026 business combination.</p><p>"The market for AI and high-performance computing is moving toward operators who already control power-ready infrastructure, and that is precisely where our Company is positioned," said Joel Block, Chief Executive Officer of Sphere 3D. "These engagements bring specialized capability to the functions that matter most as we execute against that opportunity. Orange Group brings the sector specialization to communicate our positioning to the investor base most relevant to our strategy, and Laine Communications and White Oak Strategies bring the Tennessee experience and regional relationships that are central to advancing our infrastructure in the TVA region. Each firm was selected for a specific capability the work ahead requires."</p><p><b>About Sphere 3D Corp.</b></p><p>Sphere 3D Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ANY">ANY</a>) is a digital infrastructure company focused on operating and expanding scalable power and data center assets for high-performance computing, AI workloads, and digital asset infrastructure. Following its business combination with Cathedra Bitcoin, Sphere 3D operates a diversified platform with approximately 53 MW of operating power capacity across multiple U.S. data center locations and a development pipeline exceeding 100 MW of potential expansion opportunities. The Company combines infrastructure ownership, energy optimization expertise, and capital markets access to pursue long-term value creation across next-generation compute infrastructure. The Company has proposed to rebrand itself as DarkHorse Technologies Inc. under the reserved Nasdaq ticker "DRK," subject to shareholder approval at a Special Meeting of the Company's shareholders on August 24, 2026. For more information, visit <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/XEWRNfPzEg">www.sphere3d.com</a>.</p><div id="contactInfo"><p><b>Contacts</b></p><p>For further information, please contact:<br /><a href="mailto:Investor.relations@sphere3d.com">Investor.relations@sphere3d.com</a></p></div><p><b>Forward-Looking Statements</b></p><p>This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events, including statements in this press release regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company, particularly regarding the engagement of the firms described herein and the Company's planned growth and vertical integration and expansion into high-performance compute and AI infrastructure, and the Company's proposed rebrand to DarkHorse Technologies Inc. and related change of its Nasdaq ticker symbol to "DRK," which remain subject to shareholder approval and Nasdaq processing and may not occur on the anticipated timeline or at all. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Expectations and beliefs regarding matters discussed herein may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this communication are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including general market conditions and those more fully described in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including Sphere 3D's reports filed on Form 10-K and Form 8-K and in other filings made by Sphere 3D with the SEC from time to time and available at <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/DOQMGinx5M">www.sec.gov</a>. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, which are subject to change. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. The Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by applicable securities laws.</p><p id="corporateNewsLogoContainer"><img src="https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1705/304598_81ddf271247dd9b6_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" /></p><p id="corporateLinkBack">To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/rpbKWuq7ZP">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304598</a></p><p><img src="https://api.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/304598/197" alt="" /></p>

Sphere 3D disclosed three partnerships to boost IR and regulatory efforts as it targets TVA-region AI and HPC deployments from about 53 MW of power-ready infrastructure. The company also plans to rebrand as DarkHorse Technologies Inc. with ticker DRK, subject to August 24, 2026 shareholder approval, signaling a strategic branding and growth trajectory.

Sphere 3D Advances AI Infrastructure Strategy with New Investor Relations and Government Relations Partners

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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