Fintech
Spirit Banner II Capital Corp. Announces Closing of Subscription Receipt Financing and Execution of Definitive Agreement to Complete Qualifying Transaction with Sabio Mobile, Inc.
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – October 15, 2021) – Spirit Banner II Capital Corp. (TSXV: SBTC.P) (“Spirit Banner” or the “Corporation“), is pleased to provide an update on its proposed business combination with Sabio Mobile, Inc. (“Sabio“) and announce the closing of the previously announced private placement of subscription receipts (the “Subscription Receipts“) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$6,559,316 (the “Concurrent Financing“) by Sabio Canada Finco, Inc. (“Finco“), an Ontario corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sabio, and execution of a binding business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Sabio with respect to completion of the proposed arm’s length reverse-takeover transaction of Sabio by Spirit Banner (the “Proposed Transaction“), which will constitute Spirit Banner’s Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies of Corporate Finance Manual of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“)).
Closing of Concurrent Financing
Further to the Corporation’s press release dated June 29, 2021, on October 14, 2021, Finco closed the Concurrent Financing, comprised of a brokered private placement offering of Subscription Receipts (the “Brokered Offering“) and concurrent non-brokered offering of Subscription Receipts (the “Non-Brokered Offering“).
Pursuant to the Brokered Offering, Finco issued an aggregate of 2,888,870 Subscription Receipts at a purchase price of $1.75 per Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of $5,055,522. Pursuant to the Non-Brokered Offering, Finco issued an aggregate of 859,311 Subscription Receipts for gross proceeds of $1,503,794. Each Subscription Receipt entitles the holder thereof to receive, without payment of any additional consideration and without further action on the part of each subscriber, subject to adjustment, one common share in the capital of Finco (“Finco Share“) in accordance with the terms of a subscription receipt agreement entered into between Finco, Sabio, Beacon Securities Limited (“Beacon“), Paradigm Capital Inc. (“Paradigm” and, together with Beacon, the “Co-Lead Agents“), and TSX Trust Company, dated October 14, 2021 (the “Subscription Receipt Agreement“), upon the satisfaction or waiver of the escrow release conditions described in the Subscription Receipt Agreement (the “Escrow Release Conditions“). Upon the closing of the Proposed Transaction, the Finco Shares issued pursuant to the conversion of the Subscription Receipts will be automatically exchanged for shares of the Resulting Issuer pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement on a one-for-one basis.
In connection with the Concurrent Financing, and pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement dated October 14, 2021, entered into by the Co-Lead Agents, Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the “Agents“), the Corporation, Finco, and Sabio (the “Agency Agreement“), the Agents are entitled to: (i) an aggregate cash commission of $277,717, being equal to 7% of the gross proceeds raised under the Brokered Offering (the “Cash Fee“) (other than for the gross proceeds raised from subscribers on a president’s list provided by Sabio (the “President’s List“)) in respect of which a cash commission of 2.0% was paid to the Agents), and (ii) an aggregate of 162,296 compensation warrants (the “Compensation Warrants“), being the number of compensation warrants as is equal to 7% of the Subscription Receipts sold through the Brokered Offering (other than for Subscription Receipts issued to subscribers on the President’s List, in respect of which the Agents were issued that number of compensation warrants equal to 2.0% of the Subscription Receipts issued to such subscribers shall be issued to the Agents). In addition, the Agents were paid a corporate finance fee of $14,464 (the “Corporate Finance Fee“) and were issued an aggregate of 7,300 corporate finance warrants (the “Corporate Finance Warrants” and together with the Compensation Warrants, the “Agents’ Warrants“) pursuant to the terms of the Agency Agreement. Further, the Corporation has agreed to pay to Zelos Capital Ltd (“Finder“) (i) a finder’s cash fee of $10,641, being 7% of the principal amount of Subscription Receipts issued to subscribers introduced by the Finder; and (ii) issue 6,080 warrants (“Finder’s Warrants“), being that number of warrants to purchase a number of shares in Finco equal to 7% of the principal amount of Subscription Receipts issued to subscribers introduced by the Finder, on closing of the Proposed Transaction. Each Agents’ Warrant and Finder’s Warrant will be exchangeable into one warrant of the Resulting Issuer, which warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to subscribe for a Resulting Issuer Share at a price of $1.75 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions.
The gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing less: (i) 50% of the Cash Fee; (ii) the Corporate Finance Fee; and (iii) the expenses of the Agents incurred in connection with the Concurrent Financing, have been deposited in escrow pending the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions.
Sabio intends to use the net proceeds from both the Concurrent Financing for business development, working capital requirements, and general corporate purposes.
Execution of Definitive Agreement
Spirit Banner is pleased to announce that, further to the letter of intent entered into on June 23, 2021, and any amendments thereto, with Sabio (the “LOI“), it has entered into the Business Combination Agreement effective on October 13, 2021 with Sabio, Finco, 2872484 Ontario Inc. (“Pubco Sub“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, and Spirit Banner Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, in respect of completion of the Proposed Transaction.
Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the resulting company’s primary business will be that of Sabio’s current business, being an advertisement software and services company.
The completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions that are customary for a transaction of this nature, including but not limited to: (i) satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions; (ii) completion of the consolidation of securities of each of Spirit Banner and Sabio; (iii) completion of the amalgamation between Finco and Pubco Sub and the merger between Merger Sub and Sabio in connection with the Proposed Transaction; and (iv) receipt of all requisite approvals, including approval of the Exchange and the shareholders of Sabio and all other necessary consents of other third parties.
Trading in the common shares in the capital of Spirit Banner is currently halted in accordance with the policies of the Exchange and will remain halted until such time as all required documentation in connection with the Proposed Transaction has been filed with and accepted by the Exchange and permission to resume trading has been obtained from the Exchange.
The terms of the Proposed Transaction were previously described in the Corporation’s press release dated June 29, 2021 (“June Press Release“), and will include, amongst other steps, a consolidation by each of Spirit Banner and Sabio of its respective securities, a “three-cornered” amalgamation between Finco and Pubco Sub, and a reverse triangular merger between Sabio and Merger Sub, following which Sabio will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spirit Banner. For further details on the Proposed Transaction, please refer to the June Press Release.
The Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, without limitation, approval of the Exchange. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms as proposed or at all.
About Sabio Mobile, Inc.
Sabio provides a CTV platform that is powered by mobile data, providing leading brands with the perfect balance between media, data and technology. Sabio’s unique approach to combining mobile data, device location and consumer behaviors aims to provide brands with more effective targeting and greater prediction accuracy for their mobile and connected TV ad campaigns. Sabio’s team of experienced marketers, engineers and data scientists are passionately innovative in everything they do, from developing Sabio’s proprietary audience platform and ad server to creating and delivering stunning ads on connected TVs and mobile devices.
About Spirit Banner II Capital Corp.
Spirit Banner is a capital pool company created pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. It does not own any assets, other than cash or cash equivalents and its rights under the LOI. The principal business of Spirit Banner is to identify and evaluate opportunities for the acquisition of an interest in assets or businesses and, once identified and evaluated, to negotiate an acquisition or participation subject to acceptance by the TSXV so as to complete a Qualifying Transaction in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Spirit Banner assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Spirit Banner.
Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by Spirit Banner with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.
Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to TSXV 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 Proposed 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.
For more information about Spirit Banner, please contact Matthew Wood, Chief Executive Officer, at (647) 951-650.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. 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 U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. THIS NEWS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SALE OF SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99877
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.
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