By Anastasia Samaras

Roadshows are a cornerstone of any successful listing. They generally take place in major cities around the world and are meant to drum up interest in an upcoming offer. However, issuers often face a gap between generating excitement and securing capital from global retail investors. 

Why? Traditional processes can come with too many hurdles for international investors, hindering their participation.

The Challenge: Bridging the Investment Gap

Issuers may invest significant resources in global roadshows, aiming to spark investor interest. Yet, one common notion we’re hearing from issuers is that after a roadshow that’s thought to have been successful, it doesn’t always translate into investments. 

It’s typically difficult for global retail investors to access U.S., Canadian, and other securities without going through a cumbersome process. This may be limiting issuers’ ability to raise capital, increase liquidity and access new investors. Global retail investors often face roadblocks such as:

  • No direct exchange access: International investors typically use on-line or local brokerages/banks operating ‘payment for order flow’ and T+2 settlement.​
  • Limited technology integrations: Many foreign stock markets lack a direct, app-based trading solution to reach modern investors seamlessly.​
  • Limited hours and transparency: Investors face trading hours that may not match U.S. market hours and a lack of transparency on whether they’re getting the best possible prices. ​

The Upstream Solution: Dual Listing for Global Reach

The concept of direct exchange access with an app didn’t exist… until Upstream, a MERJ Exchange market.​ Upstream gives retail investors direct access to equities from all over the world right from their smartphones. ​​Note U.S. persons may not deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream.

Upstream’s Dual Listing Advantage

  • Streamlined Onboarding: We simplify the process for international investors to download our trading app, complete streamlined KYC identity verification, fund their account with a credit/debit card, PayPal, etc., and begin trading your securities.
  • Extended Trading Hours: Direct access to the market 5 days a week, 20 hours a day from investors’ smartphones. ​
  • Unlocking $100k of IR Value: Maintain momentum and engagement post-roadshow with Upstream’s marketing package for issuers which includes interviews, videos, ads, and more visibility for your listing.

Ready to unlock global liquidity?

We’re inviting issuers listed on major stock exchanges such as TSX, CSE, Nasdaq, Euronext, ASX to dual list and provide a digital-first investor base the ability to trade their shares using an app from anywhere in the world. Get started at https://upstream.exchange/GetListed or reach the team at hello@upstream.exchange.

Disclaimers

U.S. persons may not deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream.

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is not permitted. NFTs have no royalties, equity ownership, or dividends. NFTs are for utility, collection, redemption, or display purposes only. Anyone may buy and sell NFTs on Upstream. All orders for sale are non-solicited by Upstream and a user’s decision to trade securities must be based on their own investment judgment.

Upstream is a MERJ Exchange market. MERJ Exchange is a licensed Securities Exchange, an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges, a National Numbering Agency, and a member of ANNA. MERJ is regulated in the Seychelles by the Financial Services Authority, https://fsaseychelles.sc/, an associate member of the International Association of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). MERJ supports global issuers of traditional and digital securities through the entire asset life cycle from issuance to trading, clearing, settlement, and registry. It operates a fair and transparent marketplace in line with international best practices and principles of operations of financial markets. Upstream does not endorse or recommend any public or private securities bought or sold on its app. Upstream does not offer investment advice or recommendations of any kind. All services offered by Upstream are intended for self-directed clients who make their own investment decisions without aid or assistance from Upstream. All customers are subject to the rules and regulations of their jurisdiction. By accessing the site or app, you agree to be bound by its terms of use and privacy policy. Company and security listings on Upstream are only suitable for investors who are familiar with and willing to accept the high risk associated with speculative investments, often in early and development-stage companies. U.S. persons may not deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream. There can be no assurance the valuation of any particular company’s securities is accurate or in agreement with the market or industry comparative valuations. Investors must be able to afford market volatility and afford the loss of their investment. Companies listed on Upstream are subject to significant ongoing corporate obligations including, but not limited to disclosure, filings, and notification requirements, as well as compliance with applicable quantitative and qualitative listing standards.

NFT products are akin to a digital sticker of an underlying artwork and should not be considered a financial investment; a security token, an e-money token, or a form of digital currency. NFTs should not, therefore, be purchased by anyone seeking financial gain or with an expectation to profit from the purchase, ownership in the entity, dividends or distributions, sale or resale of an NFT. By buying an NFT you agree that you are not doing so for investment purposes or for the purposes of obtaining a security or an appreciating asset. You understand that the benefit you receive for buying an NFT is limited to supporting athletes, celebrities and other brands. You also acknowledge that ownership of an NFT does not carry with it any rights, express or implied, including (without limitation) copyright, trademarks or other intellectual property or proprietary rights in and to the underlying artwork. The copyright to the digital artwork remains with the copyright holder.

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