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Biomind Research Corp. and Crosswinds Holdings Inc. Announce Definitive Agreement to Complete Reverse Takeover

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Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – February 22, 2021) – Crosswinds Holdings Inc. (TSX: CWI) (“Crosswinds“) and Biomind Research Corp. (“Biomind” or the “Company“) are pleased to announce the execution of an arm’s length binding definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement“) between Biomind, Crosswinds and Crosswinds’ majority shareholder, pursuant to which Crosswinds has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of Biomind (the “Proposed Transaction“). Following the completion of the Proposed Transaction, Crosswinds (the “Resulting Issuer“) will continue the business of Biomind, being the research, development and commercialization of innovative psychotropic pharmaceutical products for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological conditions. The Resulting Issuer intends to apply to have its common shares listed and posted for trading on the NEO Exchange (the “Exchange“) under the name “Biomind Labs Inc.”

About Biomind

Biomind is a biotech research and development company aimed at transforming the ancestral therapeutic knowledge from natural psychotropic plants into novel pharmaceutical drugs and nanotech delivery systems for a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions. Through its acceleration platform, Biomind is initially developing novel pharmaceutical sole and combined formulations of the main four natural psychedelic molecules, N, N-dimenthyltryptamine (DMT), psilocybin, mescaline and ibogaine with the aim of identifying novel pharmaceutical compounds for treating a wide range of therapeutic indications. For each of the natural psychedelic molecules, Biomind is seeking to design a library of 20-30 novel molecules in order to create an extensive portfolio of patentable molecules to be marketed by Biomind and/or licensed to large pharmaceutical companies. Through an authorized third party contract research organization (CRO), Biomind has designed six initial clinical trials of which one has already commenced and another two are anticipated to begin in early March 2021. These initial clinical trials are planned to be completed in Brazil, a jurisdiction which conducted the first randomized, placebo-controlled and government authorized clinical trial of psychedelic assisted treatment for a psychiatric disorder, thereby providing Biomind with a unique advantage to accelerate the molecule to market lifecycle. Biomind anticipates conducting additional clinical trials in the near future in Brazil as well as in Switzerland and the United States.

Proposed Transaction

It is currently anticipated that Crosswinds will acquire all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Biomind (“Biomind Shares“) by way of a three-cornered merger pursuant to a plan of merger under the laws of the British Virgin Islands whereby a newly incorporated wholly-owned subsidiary of Crosswinds will merge with Biomind (the “Merger“) with the resulting entity (“MergerCo“) continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crosswinds. The Resulting Issuer will continue the business of MergerCo. The final terms and structure of the Proposed Transaction may be revised in order to give effect to applicable financial, legal, tax and securities considerations.

As consideration for the completion of the Proposed Transaction, and subject to customary adjustments, including any consolidation of the outstanding common shares of Crosswinds (the “Crosswinds Shares“) that may be effected prior to closing, holders of Biomind Shares will receive such number of common shares of the Resulting Issuer (each, a “Resulting Issuer Share“), for each one (1) Biomind Share (the “Exchange Ratio”), as is equal to the issuance price of the Biomind Shares pursuant to the Concurrent Financing (as defined below), multiplied by the quotient which results when CDN$1,000,000 is divided by the fully-diluted number of Crosswinds Shares outstanding on the closing of the Proposed Transaction. The Exchange Ratio is based on a valuation of Crosswinds, on a fully-diluted basis, of CDN$1,000,000. Any outstanding options, warrants or other exchangeable or convertible securities of Biomind will be exchanged, on an equivalent basis, for securities of the Resulting Issuer.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions including, among others, (A) the completion of the Concurrent Financing (described below) on or before May 20, 2021, (B) receipt all necessary board, shareholder and regulatory approvals of Crosswinds and Biomind for the Proposed Transaction and related arrangements, (C) each party being satisfied with its legal and financial due diligence review of the respective party and its business; and (D) approval of the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on an applicable Canadian stock exchange.

It is anticipated that pursuant to the Proposed Transaction, Crosswinds will change its name to Biomind Research Inc. (the “Name Change“) and continue from under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) into British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Continuance“).

The Proposed Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

Concurrent Financing

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Biomind has retained Canaccord Genuity Corp. (“Canaccord“) as agent and sole bookrunner, to sell, on a best efforts private placement basis, subscription receipts of Biomind (each, a “Subscription Receipt“) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately CDN$20,000,000 (the “Concurrent Financing”).

Upon satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions customary of financings of this nature, and subject to adjustment in certain events, it is anticipated that each Subscription Receipt issued in connection with the Concurrent Financing shall be exchanged, without payment of any additional consideration and without further action on the part of the holder thereof, for one (1) Biomind Share. Upon the completion of the Proposed Transaction, holders of Biomind Shares issued upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts will be entitled to receive for each Biomind Share so held, without payment of any additional consideration and without further action on the part of the holder thereof, freely tradeable Resulting Issuer Shares in accordance with the Exchange Ratio. The issue price, as well as the definitive terms of the Subscription Receipts and Concurrent Financing will be determined in the context of the market at the time of the Concurrent Financing and will be subject to the provisions of a subscription receipt agreement, and an agency agreement to be entered into between the Company, Crosswinds and Canaccord.

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing are expected to be used to further develop the clinical arm of the business in Brazil, the United States and Switzerland in order to secure a global market entry for the novel pharmaceutical drugs developed by Biomind and registered under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada, Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), among others, and for general working capital purposes.

Biomind and Crosswinds will provide further details regarding the Concurrent Financing, including a determination of the issue price of the Subscription Receipts in due course by way of press release.

Resulting Issuer Board and Management

Subject to applicable shareholder and Exchange approvals, on completion of the Proposed Transaction it is anticipated that the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer will be reconstituted to include the individuals set out below. The Resulting Issuer expects to identify additional directors prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction.

Alejandro Antalich – Chief Executive Officer and Director

Mr. Antalich is the former Chief Executive Officer of ICC Labs Inc. (TSXV), the first publicly traded company in the world to sell cannabis to a federal government. Through strategic foresight, determination, commitment, responsibility, teamwork and passion, he led ICC Labs to its successful sale to Aurora Cannabis (TSX) in November 2018. A genuine entrepreneur, born with a truly commercial instinct and vision on business growth, with expertise in the pharmaceutical industry, operations, manufacturing and product development. A savvy negotiator that manages unique relationship building skills, he led the negotiations of a multimillion transaction with one of the largest players in the cannabis space.

Oscar Leon – Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Leon is a highly experienced Certified Public Accountant with a solid background in Financial Management, Accounting, Project Finance and Risk Analysis, with extensive experience in Agriculture, Cannabis Mining and Hydropower Industries, U.S. and Canadian GAAP and IFRS knowledge and SEC and Canadian regulatory reporting and filing experience. Mr. Leon, with a strong sense of teamwork, quality and ethics, is a results-oriented individual who demonstrates his abilities to the benefit of the organization, Mr. Leon has over three decades of experience as a Certified Public Accountant and over two decades of experience as CFO, Financial Controller, Chief Accountant for several Uruguayan, Canadian and American Companies.

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Juan Presa – Chief Legal Officer

Mr. Presa is an attorney at law from the Catholic University in Uruguay. He has proven experience in legal advice in different lines of business, specializing in Corporate, Commercial and International Law. He worked with companies from diverse industries such as agriculture, mining, cannabis, FinTech, and listed companies both on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange. He also developed the business expansion of companies through South America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, and participating in mergers and acquisitions of both public and private companies, public offerings and private placement financings.

Ravi Sood – Director

Mr. Sood is managing director of Signal 8 Limited based in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Sood has been a founder of and the principal investor in several businesses in emerging markets and currently serves as Chairman of Jade Power Trust (TSXV) and Galane Gold Ltd. (TSXV) and as a director of Eve & Co Incorporated (TSXV). He was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Navina Asset Management Inc., a global asset management firm headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Sood led the investment activities of Navina and its predecessor company, Lawrence Asset Management Inc., from its founding in 2001 until he sold the firm in 2010. Mr. Sood was educated at the University of Waterloo (B.Mathematics) where he was a Descartes Fellow and the recipient of numerous national awards.

Additional Information

The Crosswinds Shares are not currently listed on any stock exchange. Additional information with respect to the Concurrent Financing and the Proposed Transaction will follow in subsequent press releases.

All information contained in this press release with respect to Crosswinds and Biomind was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

About Crosswinds

Crosswinds is an Alberta based company and is a reporting issuer in all provinces and territories of Canada. The Crosswinds Shares were de-listed from the Toronto Stock Exchange on March 28, 2019. Crosswinds does not currently conduct any active business operations and all former operating entities have been dissolved. Crosswinds’ sole asset is cash.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to United States persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

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For more information please contact:

Biomind Research Corp.
Alejandro Antalich, CEO
E: [email protected]
T: +598 92 251500

Crosswinds Holdings Inc.
Trumbull Fisher, CEO and Director
E: [email protected]

Cautionary Notes

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to, completion of satisfactory due diligence, completion of the Concurrent Financing, Exchange acceptance and, if applicable, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed, or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement or other disclosure document to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Crosswinds should be considered highly speculative.

Forward-looking Information

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes “forward-looking information”, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aims”, “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “target”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur”, “be achieved” or “has the potential to”. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, among others, statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Crosswinds, the anticipated completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Concurrent Financing and the Merger, the reconstitution of the Resulting Issuer Board, the completion of the Name Change and Continuance, and the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the Exchange. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and Crosswinds disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/75147

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Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)

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As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.

Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets

Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.

With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.

Source: Bloomberg

ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval

ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.

MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.

Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire

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The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation

The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.

This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.

Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.

Source: PYMNTS

Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission

Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.

The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.

As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.

Source: RBJ

Industry Implications and Takeaways

Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:

  1. Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
  2. Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
  3. Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
  4. Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.

 

The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025

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Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.

SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.

Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.

“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”

Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.

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Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments

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Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”

Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.

Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.

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