Fintech
Aumento Capital VII and Emerge Commerce Enter into a Letter of Intent for Proposed Reverse Takeover Transaction
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – May 19, 2020) – Aumento Capital VII Corporation (TSXV: AUOC) (“Aumento“) and Emerge Commerce Inc. (“Emerge“) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a letter of intent (the “LOI“) to complete a business combination transaction (the “RTO Transaction“) that will result in the reverse take-over of Aumento by Emerge. The entity resulting from the RTO Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer“) will continue to carry on the business of Emerge. The LOI was negotiated at arm’s length and is dated May 14, 2020.
About Emerge
Emerge is a private company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, and has operations in the United States through its subsidiary, The Underpar Group. Emerge has developed an e-commerce network by acquiring and operating niche market leaders in the digital deals space across North America with a variety of offers on groceries, essentials, golf, online subscriptions, retailer coupons and experiences, among other categories. Emerge brands include UnderPar, WagJag, JustGolfStuff, Buytopia and Shop.ca. Emerge leverages shared technology, data, and resources of its portfolio companies through its e-commerce software solutions for increased growth and profitability of its acquired businesses. The largest shareholder of Emerge is Ghassan Halazon, resident of Toronto.
About Aumento
Aumento is a capital pool company as defined under TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV” or the “Exchange“) Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies. Aumento intends that the RTO Transaction will constitute its Qualifying Transaction, as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange. Following completion of the RTO Transaction. Aumento was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of Ontario on December 13, 2017. The common shares of Aumento (the “Aumento Shares“) are listed for trading on the TSXV under the stock symbol “AUOC.P”. Aumento has not commenced commercial operations other than to enter into discussions for the purpose of identifying potential acquisitions or interests.
Prior to entering into the LOI, David Danziger, CEO and CFO and a director of Aumento, resigned from all of these positions and was replaced on the board by James Walker and by Roger Daher as CEO and CFO. Mr. Danziger also divested himself of all equity interests in Aumento. This was done in order to facilitate the signing of the LOI as Mr. Danziger is a partner at MNP and MNP is the auditor for Emerge.
Terms of the RTO Transaction
The RTO Transaction is expected to be completed by way of a share exchange, amalgamation or other form of business combination determined with input from the legal and tax advisors to each of Aumento and Emerge, which will result in Emerge becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aumento.
Upon the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set out in the definitive transaction agreement to be entered into by Aumento and Emerge (the “Definitive Agreement“), the following, among other things, will be completed in connection with the RTO Transaction:
a) Aumento will consolidate its outstanding common shares on the basis of three quarters (0.75) of a post-consolidation common share for every one (1) common share of Aumento (the “Consolidation“);
b) the holders of common shares of Emerge (“Emerge Shares“) will receive common shares of the Resulting Issuer in exchange for their Emerge Shares on the basis of an exchange ratio of one (1) Aumento post-Consolidation common share for every one (1) Emerge Share issued and outstanding as at the Closing (the “Exchange Ratio“);
c) all outstanding warrants and stock options of Emerge either automatically adjust in accordance with the terms thereof such that following completion of the RTO Transaction, the holders thereof shall acquire the post-Consolidation common shares of Aumento in lieu of the common shares of Emerge adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio, with the exercise prices adjusted by the inverse of the Exchange Ratio, or will be replaced with equivalent convertible or exchangeable securities of Aumento entitling the holders thereof to acquire post-Consolidation common shares of Aumento in lieu of common shares of Emerge adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio, and otherwise bearing the same terms of the securities they replace;
d) All outstanding convertible debentures of Emerge will either automatically adjust in accordance with the terms thereof or be exchanged for convertible debentures of Aumento on similar terms and adjusted in accordance with the Exchange Ratio and Consolidation; and
e) The management and board of directors of the Resulting Issuer will be replaced with Ghassan Halazon as a director, President and CEO, Fazal Khaishgi as COO and Jonathan Leong as CFO, together with four other nominees of Emerge to the board of directors.
The RTO Transaction constitutes an Arm’s Length Transaction under the policies of the TSXV.
A more comprehensive news release will be issued by Aumento disclosing details of the RTO Transaction, including financial information respecting Emerge and details of insiders and proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer, once an agreement has been finalized and certain conditions have been met, including:
a) approval of the RTO Transaction by Aumento’s Board of Directors;
b) satisfactory completion of due diligence; and
c) execution of the Definitive agreement.
Private Placement
Following the announcement of the LOI, Emerge intends to take “commercially reasonable efforts” to complete a private placement (the “Private Placement“) of subscription receipts at a price of $0.75 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $5,000,000 (although the amount raised in such private placement may increase) through Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Gravitas Securities Inc., as joint book runners (the “Agents“). It is intended that the Agents will be paid a cash commission of 8.0% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Private Placement, and will also be granted broker warrants equal to 8.0% of the number of subscription receipts issued. The subscription receipts are proposed to be ultimately exchanged, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, for securities of the Resulting Issuer in connection with the RTO Transaction.
Listing
An application will be made to TSXV to list the Resulting Issuer Shares on TSXV subject to all applicable shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Finder’s Fee
No finder’s fee shall be payable by either party with respect to the Transaction.
Conditions of the RTO Transaction
Completion of the RTO Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including: (i) the satisfactory completion of due diligence by each of Aumento and Emerge; (ii) receipt of all required approvals and consents relating to the RTO Transaction, including without limitation all approvals of the shareholders of Aumento and Emerge, as required by the TSXV and under applicable corporate or securities laws; (iii) completion of the Private Placement; and (iv) the TSXV’s approval for listing the Resulting Issuer Shares.
Secured Bridge Loan
On the date of the Definitive Agreement and subject to completion of the Private Placement and the prior approval of the TSXV, Aumento will advance an aggregate of $250,000 to Emerge by way of secured loan (the “Aumento Loan“). The Aumento Loan will be interest free until the earlier of closing of the RTO Transaction or the date the Definitive Agreement is terminated. Emerge will apply the proceeds of the Aumento Loan to fund the costs of the Transaction, and will be secured against the assets of Emerge or such other security as necessary to obtain such approval, but will rank behind all existing registered security of Emerge. On closing of the RTO Transaction, the Aumento Loan will be consolidated as a debt assumed by the Resulting Issuer.
Additional Information Regarding the RTO Transaction
Further details of the RTO Transaction (including business and financial information in respect of Emerge) and the Private Placement will be included in a comprehensive press release and other disclosure documents to be filed by Aumento in connection with the RTO Transaction.
To Aumento’s knowledge, at the time of entering into the LOI none of its directors, officers or significant shareholders of Aumento had any direct or indirect interest in, nor any other relationships with, Emerge or its assets.
For further information please contact:
Aumento Capital VII Corporation
Roger Daher, President
Email: [email protected]
Emerge Commerce Inc.
Ghassan Halazon, CEO
Email: [email protected]
Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
The statements made in this Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results could differ materially from the companies’ expectations and projections.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/56083
Fintech is on an accelerated trajectory of investment, collaboration, and innovation. This pulse tracks the most significant developments in the sector, from high-profile investments to global platform expansions. Each update in this briefing serves as a key indicator of where the industry is headed.
1. European Fintechs Face Regulatory Pressures Amid New Investment Surge
The European fintech sector finds itself at a crossroads with increasing scrutiny and rising costs due to stringent regulations. While investments continue to flow into the continent’s financial technology companies, challenges in meeting new compliance requirements, especially around data privacy and cybersecurity, create a complex landscape for scaling. This tension between opportunity and operational limitations might affect European fintechs’ growth strategies.
Source: Financial Times
2. Shopify, Slack Founders Join Peter Thiel in Fintech Investment Push
Tobi Lütke of Shopify and Stewart Butterfield of Slack, along with investor Peter Thiel, have co-invested in a new fintech initiative that aims to bolster small business access to capital. By merging technology with a streamlined funding model, this new initiative targets underserved SMBs, highlighting a broader trend of high-profile tech leaders pivoting to fintech investment. The participation of Lütke and Butterfield signals increased cross-sector collaboration in fintech, bringing expertise from e-commerce and communication technology into the financial arena.
Source: Yahoo Finance
3. Lean Technologies Raises $67.5 Million to Drive Fintech Innovation in the Middle East
Riyadh-based fintech platform Lean Technologies recently secured a $67.5 million Series B investment round, aiming to expand its operations across the Middle East. This funding reflects growing investor interest in emerging markets and the potential of Middle Eastern fintech to bridge regional gaps in financial services access. As Lean Technologies broadens its service offerings, the funding will support further technological integration and scalability across financial ecosystems in the region.
Source: Fintech Global
4. Apollo Global Management Invests in Fintech for Private Offerings Support
Apollo Global Management has taken steps to enhance its services for private offerings by investing in specialized fintech solutions. This development signifies a growing trend among private equity firms to adopt fintech as a core component in their service expansion, particularly for personalized client services. Apollo’s strategy of integrating fintech solutions into private offerings marks a strategic shift toward digitalization within traditional financial sectors.
Source: Bloomberg
5. Juniper Research Names 2025’s Future Leaders in Fintech
Juniper Research has revealed its picks for the top future leaders in fintech for 2025. This list emphasizes innovation in fields such as AI, open banking, and decentralized finance, highlighting startups that exhibit potential for reshaping industry standards. As these up-and-coming firms push the boundaries of traditional finance, they exemplify the rising tide of next-generation financial technology poised to become industry mainstays.
Source: Globe Newswire
Conclusion
The convergence of seasoned tech giants with fintech, new funding rounds for region-specific platforms, and the rise of future industry leaders underscore the momentum of the fintech sector. Each of these stories reflects a broader narrative: fintech is not only diversifying in services but also rapidly integrating into traditional finance and tech, paving the way for a transformative era.
The post Fintech Pulse: Evolving Fintech Investments and Partnerships Signal Industry Transformation appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
In this edition of Fintech Pulse, we delve into groundbreaking announcements from the 2024 Hong Kong Fintech Week, spotlight strategic collaborations fostering financial accessibility, and examine significant profit growth in global fintech companies. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of the latest happenings in fintech.
1. Bairong’s Full-Scenario AI Products Showcase at Hong Kong Fintech Week
Source: PRNewswire
At the 2024 Hong Kong Fintech Week, Bairong showcased its range of AI-driven solutions designed to support the digital transformation of financial institutions. Their new “full-scenario” suite aims to enhance data analysis, financial risk management, and credit scoring. The offering underscores Bairong’s strategic vision to advance financial decision-making with AI technology that serves a variety of sectors, including banking, insurance, and asset management.
This development aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing the power of AI to bridge operational gaps in traditional finance. Bairong’s solutions promise to optimize financial workflows, identifying high-risk factors in real-time. The commitment to developing comprehensive, adaptable AI tools demonstrates Bairong’s ambition to stay at the forefront of AI-powered fintech innovations.
2. SBI and APIX Establish Innovation Hub to Propel Fintech Partnerships
Source: The Paypers
SBI Holdings, Japan’s major financial services group, recently announced the launch of an Innovation Hub in partnership with APIX to advance fintech collaboration and innovation. The hub will serve as a catalyst for startups and financial technology firms to collaborate, leveraging APIX’s open innovation platform for API exchange.
Through this hub, SBI and APIX aim to address critical technological needs in the fintech sector. Startups and established firms can collaborate on new technologies and bring forward interoperable systems for the industry. This initiative marks a new phase in fintech alliances, where regulatory support and open innovation can accelerate fintech growth on a global scale.
3. Wise’s Record Profits Point to Growing Market Dominance
Source: MSN
British fintech giant Wise reported a 55% surge in profits, driven by an expanding customer base and increased market share. The company’s cross-border payment solutions are seeing widespread adoption, as it provides individuals and businesses with affordable currency exchange options, bypassing high fees associated with traditional banks.
Wise’s success underscores the current demand for transparent, low-cost international payments. As the firm continues to focus on product expansion and market penetration, its financial trajectory showcases how fintech firms can challenge the status quo in cross-border transactions, maintaining profitability while serving a rapidly growing user base.
4. Parker Secures $20 Million Series B Funding for Fintech Data Suite
Source: Forbes
Fintech startup Parker raised $20 million in a Series B funding round, with the goal of expanding its suite of financial data tools. Parker’s product range enables small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to gather and analyze data, facilitating more informed financial decisions. This funding reflects investor confidence in the need for specialized financial data tools tailored to SMEs, a sector often underserved in financial innovation.
By addressing the needs of smaller businesses, Parker is positioning itself as a key player in the niche market of financial data, which has typically been dominated by larger corporate-focused platforms. This funding round highlights the growing trend of venture capital backing for niche fintech solutions aimed at smaller, agile businesses.
5. The Payments Group and HubPeople’s Cash Payments Initiative for Online Daters
Source: PRNewswire
The Payments Group, a digital payments solution provider, announced a collaboration with HubPeople, an online dating platform, to integrate cash payment solutions for over 100 million users globally. This partnership aims to reach users who may not have access to traditional banking or prefer alternative payment methods.
The initiative points to the broader trend of payments inclusivity in fintech, whereby payment firms are making financial transactions more accessible for underserved communities. By integrating cash payment solutions, The Payments Group and HubPeople highlight the importance of flexibility in payment options, acknowledging the diverse financial preferences of users worldwide.
Industry Implications and Observations
These stories collectively reveal several key trends and insights about the evolving fintech landscape. The focus on AI, digital collaboration hubs, profitability through transparency, specialized data tools, and inclusive payment solutions are reshaping financial services. Fintech’s current trajectory indicates a robust push towards not only digital transformation but also inclusivity and global accessibility.
As financial technology continues to innovate, these advancements illustrate the increasing overlap between technology and finance, as well as the potential for fintech to foster inclusive growth. With companies like Bairong and Wise setting benchmarks for AI and cross-border payments, respectively, and emerging startups like Parker developing new, data-centric tools, fintech’s future promises a dynamic shift towards improved service and enhanced user engagement.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Innovations and Partnerships Drive Global Fintech Forward appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
In today’s dynamic fintech landscape, developments range from notable appointments to industry conferences, global ranking achievements, and the ongoing struggle between digital innovation and traditional cash reliance. This op-ed-style daily briefing dives into key updates and their potential impacts on the fintech industry, touching on politics, corporate shifts, and emerging trends.
1. Trump’s Potential Impact on Fintech: Policy Shifts and Market Reactions
As Donald Trump continues to be a central figure in U.S. politics, his stance on financial regulations and fintech could significantly influence the sector’s future. Historically, Trump has advocated for deregulation, which benefited banks and other financial services firms. His policies were known to relax certain compliance requirements, which made it easier for fintech companies to expand.
Under Trump’s administration, fintech firms might anticipate reduced regulatory constraints, particularly for newer sectors such as crypto and online lending. This relaxed stance could lower compliance costs for startups, allowing more resources to flow into technology and product innovation. However, a deregulated environment also increases the risk of market manipulation and consumer harm, raising concerns among advocates for tighter oversight.
The question remains whether a Trump-influenced regulatory environment would favor long-term fintech innovation or lead to an environment that could increase risks for both investors and consumers. As debates continue, fintech companies may need to be agile in adjusting to potential policy changes.
Source: Forbes
2. Hong Kong’s Love for Cash: Fintech Growth Stymied by Cultural Preferences
Hong Kong’s journey toward a cashless society faces a unique cultural hurdle—its residents’ affinity for cash, particularly among taxi drivers. Despite the proliferation of digital wallets and payment platforms in Asia, cash remains king in this metropolis. The attachment to cash among certain groups, especially cab drivers, poses a significant challenge for fintech companies aiming to promote mobile and digital payments in Hong Kong.
This resistance to cashless options highlights the complexities of fintech adoption, where technology alone cannot drive transformation without aligning with user behavior. For Hong Kong, overcoming this challenge may require fintech firms to develop hybrid solutions that incorporate cash with digital functionality or offer incentives for digital adoption. Until then, Hong Kong’s fintech ambitions will remain somewhat constrained by the cultural fondness for cash.
This preference for cash also has implications for Hong Kong’s broader economy. If the city cannot shift toward digital transactions, it may fall behind other financial hubs in terms of fintech innovation and integration.
Source: Bloomberg
3. Dave Inc. Joins the KBW Fintech Conference: Setting the Stage for New Partnerships
Next week, Dave Inc. is set to participate in KBW’s annual Fintech Conference, a major industry event in New York City. Scheduled for November 14, the conference will bring together industry leaders, investors, and innovators. Dave Inc.’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to establishing new partnerships and tapping into emerging fintech trends.
For Dave, a prominent U.S.-based neobank, participating in high-profile conferences like this not only enhances visibility but also presents networking opportunities with potential investors and partners. The company’s growth strategy focuses on making financial services more accessible and affordable for underserved communities. With industry leaders present, the conference may foster collaborative efforts, especially in areas such as lending, personal finance, and digital banking.
The KBW Fintech Conference could provide Dave Inc. with critical insights and alliances to further its mission, potentially accelerating product innovation and geographical expansion.
Source: GlobeNewswire
4. MeridianLink’s Recognition in IDC Fintech Rankings: A Boost in Reputation
MeridianLink has recently been recognized in IDC’s Global Fintech Rankings, securing a spot in the Top 50. This accolade acknowledges the company’s commitment to digital transformation within the financial services sector, where it focuses on providing cloud-based software solutions for banks, credit unions, and financial institutions.
Being named to this prestigious list elevates MeridianLink’s reputation within the fintech community. This recognition could help MeridianLink secure more significant contracts with major financial institutions, as industry recognition often leads to increased trust among potential clients. Additionally, this placement in the IDC rankings may serve as a strategic advantage when pursuing funding and partnerships in a competitive market.
This recognition is a testament to MeridianLink’s innovation in fintech, showing how its cloud-based solutions align with industry trends toward digital-first financial services.
Source: Business Wire
5. Leadership Change at Alliant Credit Union: Navigating Transition with New Interim CEO
Alliant Credit Union has named Ken Schaafsma as the interim CEO following the departure of Dennis Devine. Schaafsma, who was previously the CFO, will guide the organization through this transitional phase as it searches for a permanent CEO. Leadership changes in financial institutions often signal shifts in strategic focus or operational adjustments, and Schaafsma’s background in finance could mean an emphasis on fiscal discipline and profitability.
As a credit union with a significant member base, Alliant’s choice of leadership may influence its approach to digital services and customer engagement. With Schaafsma’s familiarity with the organization’s financial health, his interim tenure may bring stability during this transitional period.
In an industry undergoing rapid digital transformation, Alliant Credit Union’s ability to maintain a clear strategic vision and leadership stability will be crucial in keeping pace with fintech competitors.
Source: Fintech Futures
The post Fintech Pulse: The Latest Trends and Insights Shaping Fintech appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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