VNUE, Inc. Announces Change in Strategy & Direction

Rhea-AI Summary

VNUE announced a major strategic shift from entertainment technology to defense industry, focusing on digital imaging and firearms optics through the acquisition of Redacted Optics. The company's leadership, including CEO Zach Bair, has resigned, with Brandon Sisson, former CEO of Accufire Technology, taking the helm. Under Sisson's previous leadership at Accufire, revenue grew from $172,000 to $1.2 million in one year. The transition aims to tap into the growing firearms optics market, projected to reach $1.94 billion by 2028. Redacted Optics brings patented infrared digital spotting scopes and thermal imaging technology, with plans to move manufacturing to the US. The strategic pivot comes after VNUE faced challenges in the entertainment sector due to the pandemic and the loss of their auditor. StageIt will remain a subsidiary under current leadership.

Positive

• Major strategic pivot into the growing $9.9bn US defense and optics market
• New CEO Brandon Sisson has proven track record, growing previous company revenue from $172K to $1.2M in one year
• Company brings valuable IP including patented infrared and thermal imaging technology
• Plans to move manufacturing to US, potentially qualifying for federal grants and support
• Global optics market projected to grow to $1.94B by 2028, with North America accounting for 40.79% of rifle scope sales

Negative

• Complete abandonment of core entertainment technology business
• Previous business struggled with funding and market traction
• Significant management turnover with resignation of CEO, CTO, and director
• Company faced challenges raising capital in volatile public markets
• Previous business severely impacted by pandemic and auditor's demise

Company to Transition to Defense Industry Focusing on Cutting Edge Digital Imaging and Firearms Optics

NEW YORK, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VNUE, Inc. (OTC: VNUE) today announced that it is transitioning to an exciting new model that Company leadership believes will offer substantially more potential upside to shareholders and a new direction. Longtime CEO & Chairman Zach Bair, CTO and director Tony Cardenas, and director Lou Mann have resigned from their positions and have brought in a new leadership team along with this transition.

This move would see Redacted Optics, an industry leader in optical and digital imaging technology specializing in advanced firearm optics, thermal imaging, and augmented glass solutions, assume control of the Company, and in doing so, work to bring assets and intellectual property into VNUE, which will be renamed in the near future.

This strategic move is aimed at driving growth, fostering innovation, and increasing shareholder value by going after a multi-billion-dollar industry that is white hot.

Redacted Optics is led by Brandon Sisson, an industry veteran with extensive experience in the semiconductor and software sectors, and former CEO of Accufire Technology. Sisson has been appointed CEO and director of VNUE.

Sisson said, “We are thrilled to lead this transformation and leverage our combined expertise in the firearms and defense industry to drive innovation, create high-quality American jobs, and strengthen U.S. security. By advancing cutting-edge optics and digital imaging technology, we are not only expanding market opportunities but also supporting those who protect and serve. This transition marks a bold step forward for growth, investment, and the future of American industry.”

As part of this transition, Redacted Optics, along with its organic growth plans for manufacturing and distributing its own line of products, has identified and is exploring a number of potential acquisitions in the sector which will add additional assets in the form of patents and other IP as well as immediate revenue opportunities into the company. These acquisitions will serve as a foundation for continued innovation and expansion and ultimately shareholder value.

StageIt will remain in VNUE for the time being, and Mann, who is currently CEO of StageIt, will continue to lead that wholly-owned subsidiary in that role.

VNUE CEO Zach Bair said, “As most of you are aware, VNUE has struggled to gain traction with our complex entertainment-oriented technology products since the unfortunate demise of our auditor, B.F. Borgers, particularly because this type of development requires substantial funding. Prior to that, the pandemic decimated the music business, which didn’t help matters either. Furthermore, it has become increasingly difficult for us to raise money in the current volatile public markets, and as you also know, I am diametrically opposed to toxic funding sources and needless reverse splits. I am acutely aware this has been frustrating for all involved – shareholders and management alike, but ultimately the company was put in a very difficult position, not of our own volition, and the board believes that this is absolutely the best path forward.”

Bair continued, “The opportunity for the Company, as a public entity, to enter an exciting, large (and growing) market, is one that we believe to be a smart move and something that most retail investors will understand and embrace, and which will help preserve and grow existing investments in the Company. We believe that by bringing in valuable IP and assets that address a $9.9bn US market, as well as a top-notch, experienced leadership team, the Company will have a better chance of raising more, and better, capital.”

Bair and his team will consult with the new management team for a period after the transition, to foster a smooth transition.

Sisson has successfully identified and capitalized on market opportunities through his consulting business and prior leadership of Accufire Technology. Under his direction, Accufire achieved substantial revenue growth, expanding sales from $172,000 to $1.2 million within a single year by addressing critical gaps in the optics market with cutting-edge digital and traditional glass solutions.

Key Highlights of Redacted Optics and Strategic Vision

• Proven Leadership: Brandon Sisson’s expertise in market innovation and product development has been instrumental in building Accufire Technology into a leader in advanced optics and digital imaging solutions.
• Revenue Growth: Accufire Technology experienced a remarkable increase in sales by leveraging digital technology and traditional optics to meet market demands.
• Product Innovation: Redacted Optics will possess patented infrared digital spotting scopes and advanced thermal clip-ons, currently deployed by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
• Future Technologies: The company is actively working on new glass technologies to set new industry standards in digital optical performance.
• Manufacturing Expansion: Plans are in place to move manufacturing to the U.S., aligning with policies under the new presidential administration that are expected to provide significant advantages, including opportunities for state and federal grants to support domestic operations.
  

Industry Growth and Market Potential

• Firearm Optics Market: The global optics market is projected to grow from $1.54 billion in 2023 to $1.94 billion by 2028, with North America accounting for 40.79% of rifle scope sales.
• Law Enforcement & Defense Spending: Increased investment in thermal imaging, drones, and digital solutions is driving sector growth. The law enforcement software market, valued at $15.65 billion in 2023, is expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3%.

VNUE believes this transition will position the company to capitalize on emerging trends in the optics and defense technology sectors, creating long-term value for shareholders.

“This is a very bittersweet journey for me,” said Bair, “as we have all put blood, sweat and tears in to VNUE. But this is by far the best opportunity to preserve, and hopefully increase, shareholder value, and set the company on a profitable path.”

About VNUE, Inc.
VNUE, Inc. (OTC: VNUE) is a technology-driven company focused on delivering innovative solutions in live entertainment, media, and emerging industries. The company continually explores strategic opportunities to enhance its business model and maximize shareholder value.

About Redacted Optics
Redacted Optics is an industry leader in optical and digital imaging technology, specializing in advanced firearm optics, thermal imaging, and augmented glass solutions. The company is dedicated to innovation and high-performance solutions for defense, law enforcement, and commercial markets.

Inquiries may be directed to press@redactedoptics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate, ”expect,” “may,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations, or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results could differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

FAQ

Why is VNUE stock changing its business from entertainment to defense technology?

VNUE is transitioning due to struggles in raising capital, pandemic impacts on the music business, and the loss of their auditor. The company sees better growth potential in the $9.9bn US defense and optics market.

Who is the new CEO of VNUE after the strategic change?

Brandon Sisson, former CEO of Accufire Technology, has been appointed as the new CEO of VNUE. Under his leadership at Accufire, revenue grew from $172,000 to $1.2 million in one year.

What will happen to VNUE's StageIt subsidiary after the transition?

StageIt will remain in VNUE as a wholly-owned subsidiary, with Lou Mann continuing to lead as CEO of that division.

What is the market potential for VNUE's new defense optics business?

The global optics market is projected to grow from $1.54 billion in 2023 to $1.94 billion by 2028, with North America accounting for 40.79% of rifle scope sales.

What products will VNUE offer in its new defense technology focus?

VNUE will offer patented infrared digital spotting scopes, advanced thermal clip-ons, and innovative glass technologies for military and law enforcement agencies.