VNUE, Inc. Announces Change in Strategy & Direction

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.”