Xeriant Elevates Holt to Lead Factor X as Company Builds a Skunk Works–Style Innovation Engine

Rhea-AI Summary

Xeriant (OTCQB:XERI) named Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Blaine D. Holt as president of its newly defined Factor X Research Group on Nov. 26, 2025, creating a skunk works–style innovation engine to accelerate commercialization.

Factor X will target aerospace & defense, advanced construction materials, critical infrastructure, and AI-enabled platforms, apply systems-integration across TRL 1–9, and pursue acquisitions and high-impact technologies in AI, quantum computing, and data science.

News Market Reaction

+4.48%

1 alert

+4.48% News Effect

On the day this news was published, XERI gained 4.48%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Price change: 7.14% Technology Readiness Levels: TRL 1–9 Flight experience: more than 3,900 flight hours +5 more

8 metrics

Price change 7.14% 24h move prior to this news

Technology Readiness Levels TRL 1–9 Scope of Factor X development pipeline

Flight experience more than 3,900 flight hours Holt’s command pilot background

52-week high $0.0295 Pre-news 52-week range high

52-week low $0.0037 Pre-news 52-week range low

Net income $2,226,072 Quarter ended Sep 30, 2025, driven by debt extinguishment gain

Operating loss $304,075 Quarter ended Sep 30, 2025, ongoing R&D and professional fees

Stockholders’ deficit $5,702,498 As of Sep 30, 2025

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.0088 Vol: Volume 496,489 vs 20-day ...

low vol

$0.0088 Last Close

Volume Volume 496,489 vs 20-day avg 1,578,252; relative volume at 0.31 suggests lighter-than-usual trading. low

Technical Price 0.0074 trading below 200-day MA at 0.01, reflecting a longer-term downtrend.

Peers on Argus

Peers showed mixed moves: SNAVF down 22.14%, HLEO up 18.83%, others flat. With X...

Peers showed mixed moves: SNAVF down 22.14%, HLEO up 18.83%, others flat. With XERI up 7.14%, action appears more stock-specific than sector-driven.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Nov 28 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Nov 28	Factor X pivot	Positive	+12.9%	Formal strategic pivot to Skunk Works–style Factor X innovation engine.
Nov 26	Leadership, Factor X	Positive	+4.5%	Holt elevated to lead Factor X targeting multi-sector advanced technologies.
Nov 26	Holt appointment	Positive	+4.5%	Holt named president of Factor X to drive AI and quantum-focused R&D.
Nov 25	Role expansion	Positive	-5.6%	Holt broadens role to pursue acquisitions and partnerships in advanced tech.
Nov 17	NEXBOARD testing	Positive	-17.1%	NEXBOARD internal tests and upcoming certification steps highlighted.

Pattern Detected

Recent Holt/Factor X announcements generally drew positive reactions, while NEXBOARD™ testing and earlier strategy updates saw negative follow-through on some days.

Recent Company History

Over the last weeks, Xeriant has concentrated on two themes: the NEXBOARD™ advanced materials effort and the build-out of its Factor X innovation engine under Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Blaine D. Holt. A NEXBOARD™ certification update on Nov 17, 2025 coincided with a -17.14% move, and Holt’s expanded strategic role on Nov 25, 2025 saw a -5.63% reaction. However, formalizing Factor X and elevating Holt on Nov 26–28, 2025 aligned with gains of 4.48% and 12.86%, supporting the market’s focus on execution of the new innovation model.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement formalized Blaine D. Holt’s leadership of Factor X, Xeriant’s Skunk Works–style in...

Analysis

This announcement formalized Blaine D. Holt’s leadership of Factor X, Xeriant’s Skunk Works–style innovation group spanning aerospace, advanced materials, and AI. Recent history shows multiple Holt- and Factor X-related releases in late November 2025, alongside NEXBOARD™ certification progress and SEC filings noting net income of $2,226,072 but a stockholders’ deficit of $5,702,498. Investors may watch how Factor X converts TRL 1–9 projects into revenue while the company manages liquidity and its complex capital structure.

Key Terms

skunk works, ai-enabled, quantum computing, data science, +3 more

7 terms

skunk works technical

"modern counterpart to Lockheed Martin’s legendary Skunk Works."

A skunk works is a small, separate team inside a larger company given freedom to pursue experimental or breakthrough projects with minimal bureaucracy and oversight. For investors, a skunk works can be a source of fast innovation and potential new products or markets—like a startup operating in a company’s garage—but it also carries higher technical and commercial risk, so its existence signals both opportunity and uncertainty.

ai-enabled technical

"including aerospace and defense, advanced construction materials, critical infrastructure, and AI-enabled platforms."

AI-enabled describes a product, service, or process that uses artificial intelligence—software that learns from data and makes decisions or predictions—as a core feature rather than a minor add-on. For investors it matters because AI-enabled offerings can boost productivity, lower costs or unlock new revenue streams; like adding a smart autopilot to a routine task, they can change a company's growth potential and competitive edge while also bringing higher upfront investment needs and distinct regulatory or ethical risks.

quantum computing technical

"particularly across artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and data science."

Quantum computing is a type of advanced technology that uses the principles of quantum physics to perform calculations much faster than traditional computers. It can process vast amounts of information simultaneously, potentially solving complex problems that are currently impossible or take too long with regular computers. For investors, this technology could lead to breakthroughs in areas like cryptography, data analysis, and optimization, impacting financial markets and security systems.

data science technical

"particularly across artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and data science."

Data science uses tools from statistics and programming to collect, clean and analyze large amounts of information so people can spot patterns, test ideas and make predictions. For investors, it’s like turning a stack of receipts into a clear map: it helps identify sales trends, customer behavior and risks more quickly and reliably, so companies that apply data science can make decisions that affect revenue, costs and future value.

technology readiness levels technical

"apply similar principles across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1–9), from graphene-based materials"

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a numbered scale used to describe how far along a technology is, from an early idea or lab test to a fully proven, deployable product—think of it as stages from a sketch and prototype to a road-ready vehicle. Investors use TRLs to gauge development risk, expected time and cost to commercialization, and how likely a technology is to deliver real revenue, helping prioritize funding and value estimates.

graphene-based materials technical

"from graphene-based materials to AI-powered tools capable of reshaping national defense"

Graphene-based materials are ultra-thin sheets or modified forms of carbon that are exceptionally strong, light, and conductive, often mixed into inks, coatings, films or composites to give ordinary materials new properties. They matter to investors because they can enable faster electronics, longer-lasting batteries, stronger lightweight parts or better filters—similar to how adding steel strands strengthens concrete—so companies that master manufacturing, cost control and safety can gain commercial advantage and new market opportunities.

ai-powered technical

"from graphene-based materials to AI-powered tools capable of reshaping national defense"

"AI-powered" describes technology that uses artificial intelligence to perform tasks, make decisions, or analyze information automatically. It’s similar to having a highly skilled assistant that can learn from data, recognize patterns, and improve over time, helping to make processes faster and more accurate. For investors, this means better insights and more efficient operations, potentially leading to smarter investment choices.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

DENVER, Nov. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xeriant (OTCQB:XERI) is sharpening its identity as a next-generation technology accelerator with the appointment of Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Blaine D. Holt as president of its newly defined Factor X Research Group, an expanded innovation division designed to function as a modern counterpart to Lockheed Martin’s legendary Skunk Works.

Factor X represents Xeriant’s push to unite elite scientific and engineering talent under a single mission: compress development cycles, integrate breakthrough systems across disciplines, and drive disruptive technologies from early discovery into scalable deployment. The group’s mandate spans sectors where Xeriant sees near-term commercialization potential, including aerospace and defense, advanced construction materials, critical infrastructure, and AI-enabled platforms.

Xeriant recently broadened Holt’s strategic role, tasking him with identifying acquisition candidates and high-impact technologies, particularly across artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and data science. As head of Factor X, he will oversee what the company calls a force-multiplying environment; one that replaces fragmented R&D with cross-functional collaboration intended to solve complex industrial and national-security challenges.

CEO Keith Duffy said Holt possesses the mix of “strategic clarity” and unity-building leadership needed to fast-track disruptive concepts into real-world products, pointing to innovations such as NEXBOARD™ as examples of Xeriant’s accelerating commercial pipeline. Holt added that he expects Factor X to become “the epicenter of cross-disciplinary genius,” highlighting its role in engineering “sustainable, scalable solutions that transform industries.”

Holt’s background spans diplomacy, operations, and high-stakes technology management. The former deputy U.S. military representative to NATO and command pilot with more than 3,900 flight hours has led multinational initiatives, overseen aerospace turnarounds, and served as CEO of AI-driven supply-chain firm AlchemAI. His track record also includes co-founding a large-scale advanced manufacturing initiative and advising emerging companies, as well as hosting the Dangerous Intellectuals podcast.

Factor X’s structure mirrors the systems-integration mindset behind Skunk Works, known for producing some of the most advanced aircraft in history through small, highly autonomous teams and rapid prototyping. Xeriant aims to apply similar principles across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1–9), from graphene-based materials to AI-powered tools capable of reshaping national defense and industrial technologies.

Xeriant isn’t alone in leveraging this kind of focused innovation center. Palantir Technologies continues to build specialized R&D units around its AI-driven government and defense platforms, integrating real-time data systems into high-security environments. Rocket Lab USA operates its own vertically integrated development ecosystem, enabling rapid iteration of spacecraft, launch systems, and advanced composites. Together, these models reflect a broader movement: companies building internal “micro-Skunk Works” to accelerate the jump from concept to commercialization.

With Holt now at the helm of Factor X, Xeriant is positioning itself to expand that movement, aiming to convert breakthrough R&D into deployable technologies that align with the company’s trademark theme: Technologies that Define the Future™.

About Xeriant, Inc.
Xeriant, Inc. is focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing breakthrough technologies—particularly advanced materials—that can be deployed across a wide range of industrial markets. The company partners with, and selectively acquires interests in, innovators whose capabilities strengthen its mission of advancing next-generation solutions.

Xeriant’s materials portfolio is marketed under the DUREVER™ brand and includes NEXBOARD™, a patent-pending, eco-friendly composite panel engineered from recycled plastic and fiber waste. Designed as a high-performance alternative to conventional building products such as drywall, plywood, OSB, MDF, and MgO board, NEXBOARD™ reflects Xeriant’s commitment to durable, sustainable construction technologies.

For more information, please go to www.xeriant.com

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PAID EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: This editorial communication intended for informational purposes only. 247 is a third-party media provider and the editor of this article holds a personal investment position in XERI. This ownership may be considered a potential conflict of interest. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The editor may be compensated for providing future XERI market outreach and other services. This press release may include technical analysis and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Trading stocks involves risks, and readers should consult with their financial advisor before making investment decisions. Please review 247’s Full Disclaimer https://www.247marketnews.com/disclaimer/ for further disclosure information.

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company's ability to grow its business and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including without limitation, the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, general economic conditions, and other risk factors detailed in the Company's filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update such forward-looking statements except in accordance with applicable law.

FAQ

Who is leading Xeriant's Factor X and what is his background?

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Blaine D. Holt was appointed president; his background includes NATO diplomacy, 3,900+ flight hours, aerospace turnarounds, and CEO experience at AI-driven supply-chain firm AlchemAI.

What is the mandate of Xeriant's Factor X Research Group (XERI)?

Factor X is designed to compress development cycles, integrate cross-disciplinary systems, and move disruptive technologies from discovery to scalable deployment across targeted sectors.

Which technology areas will Xeriant (XERI) prioritize under Factor X?

The group will prioritize aerospace and defense, advanced construction materials, critical infrastructure, and AI-enabled platforms, with emphasis on AI, quantum computing, and data science acquisitions.

How will Factor X apply Skunk Works principles at Xeriant (XERI)?

Xeriant said Factor X will use small, autonomous, cross-functional teams and rapid prototyping across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1–9) to accelerate systems integration and deployment.

Will Factor X pursue acquisitions and what will they target for XERI?

Yes; Holt was tasked with identifying acquisition candidates and high-impact technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and data science.

How does Xeriant position Factor X relative to peers like Palantir and Rocket Lab?

Xeriant frames Factor X as part of a broader trend of internal, specialized R&D units similar to Palantir's and Rocket Lab's focused development ecosystems to speed commercialization.