Fintech
LiveXLive Media Raises Guidance and Its Investor Presentations at Needham’s and J.P. Morgan’s Tech & Media Conferences
New York, New York–(Newsfile Corp. – May 20, 2021) – PCG Digital — With LiveXLive (NASDAQ: LIVX) presenting at premier investor conferences on May 19th and the 26th that will be attended by some of the biggest institutional investors, it will be very interesting to hear more about what is driving the company’s growth. Last month, LIVX announced it was increasing its revenue guidance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, to $100 million to $110 million with Adjusted Operating Income of $1.5 million to $3.0 million, which would be up from updated revenue guidance for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, of $64.5 million to $65.5 million. Intriguingly, this increased guidance does not even include any revenue from its live events business due to COVID-19. As vaccination rates climb and COVID cases decline, this could set LIVX up to raise guidance even further. Its upcoming Social Gloves live event in Miami has the potential to be a huge revenue driver for the company as its flywheel business model kicks into high gear.
Growth Metrics Rising
The company also provided an update on its impressive growth metrics. It ended FY 2021 with over 1.075 million paid subscribers showing excellent overall growth. During FY 2021, LiveXLive livestreamed over 140 live music events and 1,781 artists across the LiveXLive platform, generating over 150 million livestream views, as compared to 42 events, 256 artists, and over 69 million livestream views in the same period a year ago. In Q4 FY 2021 alone, livestream views grew 533% to 38 million compared to 6 million livestream views in Q4 FY 2020. Additionally, during FY 2021, LiveXLive livestreamed 27 Pay-Per-View (PPV) events, sold over 68,000 PPV tickets with an average ticket price of $26.73, and generated total PPV revenue of $2.4 million, including ticket sales, merchandising, vodcasting/podcasting, advertising, and sponsorships. LiveXLive’s 24-hour linear OTT streaming channel now reaches over 300 million people. Likewise, PodcastOne now generates more than 2.25 billion downloads per year, has over 235 exclusive podcast shows, and produces more than 400 podcast episodes per week. Total social media reach across the exclusive PodcastOne talent roster now exceeds 240 million.
LiveXLive’s balance sheet remains strong as the company expects to close fiscal year 2021 with approximately $18.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, as compared to $17.4 million on December 31, 2020.
Live Events Rebounding
More live events are returning to stages across the United States, with one of the most unique events of the year, if not the decade to come. In early April, LiveXLive and Hard Rock International & Seminole Hard Rock announced a multi-year & multi-million dollar strategic partnership to host and sponsor LiveXLive events, kicking-off with Social Gloves: Battle Of The Platforms Franchise beginning on June 12 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The live event will accommodate close to 30,000 attendees in a socially distanced configuration to ensure the health and safety of all guests. The PPV live broadcast will air on the LiveXLive platform, Facebook, and will be available on all devices for livestreaming.
The upcoming PPV event, Social Gloves, a boxing competition, which pits the world’s largest social media stars from YouTube against the new icons from the explosive TikTok platform and a new partnership with Facebook, allows LIVX to capitalize across its flywheel business model, including subscription, advertising, sponsorship, pay-per-view tickets, merchandise, and a new NFT content division.
This past Friday, LIVX announced the Midwest’s largest all-electronic music festival, Spring Awakening Music Festival (SAMF), will return to Chicago’s Addams/Medill Park on October 2nd and 3rd, 2021, for the first “Autumn Equinox” edition of the festival. Last year’s first-ever virtual SAMF, which featured 22 artists performing across the country, garnered over 3 million livestreams, 2.5 million impressions, and 69,000 live engagements over the LiveXLive platform. Pre-Covid, the React business generated $15-$20 million in revenue with its flagship SAMF drawing around 30,000 people each day in attendance. With Spring Awakening being the first of many live events its React Presents division will announce in addition to Social Gloves, clearly this is a positive trend and one that can generate meaningful revenue this quarter and next as the live events business continues to ramp back up.
Another positive industry trend is a close peer in the live events space, Live Nation, which recently reported that its concert pipeline for 2022 is up double digits, and Ticketmaster continues to sign new clients.
Large Partnerships and a Budding NFT Business
Tesla remains a large and impressive customer, which continues to report strong growth and should bode well for LIVX. The partner list continues to grow with Samsung and PodcastOne news. And if that wasn’t enough, LIVX’s business is ideally suited to capitalize on the NFT industry, and it has only just begun with the recent upfront fee and royalties in a multi-year, multi-million dollar announcement with Cybertino for licensing LIVX assets including Social Gloves. iHeartMedia, another multi-billion market-cap peer, has been performing well and recently surpassed previously reported company guidance. Investors actively looking for undiscovered growth opportunities in this space may soon wake up to the LIVX value proposition especially as customers from each division convert into long lasting monthly subscribers.
Continued Consolidation, M&A and Hiring JP Morgan
Consolidation continues in the industry, with the recent acquisition of Tidal highlighting the strong interest in this high-growth sector. Financial services company Square announced on March 4th that it had acquired a majority stake in Tidal, the music streaming service founded by music mogul Jay-Z and other artists for $297 million. As LIVX continues to grow its subscriber base with its unique and differentiated content platform, other major industry players such as music streaming service leaders Spotify Technology, Apple, and Amazon may start to take notice. Could this be part of the reason LIVX engaged JP Morgan to explore M&A and strategic alternatives?
Insider Buying
Last but not least, management and insiders have been buying stock actively in the open market over the last six months, filing multiple Form 4s, and its CEO remains its largest investor with now over 16 million shares on top of multi-millions invested directly. Clearly, this displays their strong belief in the value of the business.
Influential Investor Conference
All of this makes the (NASDAQ: LIVX) fire-side chat hosted by well-known and influential Needham analyst Laura Martin on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 11:00 am EDT, extremely intriguing. Click here for the Needham virtual event: https://wsw.com/webcast/needham108/livx/2286785. And just this week, LIVX announced that they will be presenting at J.P. Morgan’s 49th Annual Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference on May 26th at 1:25 pm EDT; login here to listen live: https://jpmorgan.metameetings.net/events/tmc21/sessions/37814-livexlive-media-inc/webcast?gpu_only=true&kiosk=true.
Disclaimer
This communication was produced by PCG Digital Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of PCG Advisory Inc., (together “PCG”). PCG is an integrated investor relations, communications and strategic advisory firm. The information contained on this may be ‘Paid Advertising’ for purposes of Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (together with the rules and regulations there under, the “Securities Act”). PCG may be compensated by respective clients for publicizing information relating to its client’s securities. For more information in terms of compensation received for services provided by PCG, see the pertinent advertising materials relating to the respective client. By accessing this Site and any pages thereof, you agree to be bound by the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
PCG is not a registered or licensed broker, dealer, broker-dealer, investment adviser nor investment manager, nor does PCG engage in any activities that would require such registrations. PCG does not provide investment advice, endorsement, analysis or recommendations with respect to any securities, and its services to or statements about its clients should never be construed as any endorsement of or opinion about any security of any client. No information contained in this communication constitutes an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other similar product or service regardless of whether such security, product, or service is referenced in this communication. Further, nothing in this communication is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this communication should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. For full disclaimers, including compensation received for professional services, please visit www.pcgadvisory.com/disclosures.
Contact: [email protected]
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)
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
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:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- 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.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- 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.
Fintech
SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025
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.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments
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.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
GCL Energy Technology and Ant Digital Technologies Launch First Blockchain-Based RWA Project in Photovoltaic Industry
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
Bybit Champions Web3 Innovation and Strengthens Ties with Asia’s Crypto Community at Taipei Blockchain Week
-
Fintech PR4 days ago
2025 Will See Increased QR Code Payments but Payment Card IC ASPs Will Not Return to Pre-Covid Levels
-
Fintech PR6 days ago
H.I.G. Realty Announces Strategic Partnership with Queen Mary BioEnterprises Innovation Centre in London
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
CKGSB Successfully Hosts 2024 MBA Professor Training Program for Western China
-
Fintech PR2 days ago
Markets Show Resilience Ahead of End-of-Year Options Expirations: Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Report
-
Fintech PR3 days ago
Sinopec Completes Construction of China’s Largest Petrochemical Industrial Base
-
Fintech PR2 days ago
2024 Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters Themed “Guiyang in Characters” Successfully Concluded