29.03.2024

First Tokenized IPO Launches on National Stock Exchange

At 09:00 U.K. time (08:00 UTC), the shares will be available on the MERJ exchange’s own platform, as well as through broker-dealer Jumpstart and crypto custodian Prime Trust – both based in the U.S. – and U.K.-based blockchain fundraising platform Globacap, MERJ told CoinDesk exclusively.

Today marks the launch of what is most likely the first ever blockchain-based initial public offering (IPO), with the national stock exchange of the Seychelles selling tokenized shares in its equity to investors worldwide.

The IPO sees MERJ issuing 1,652,893 new shares at a price of $2.42 per share, with the aim of raising $4 million to fund its expansion. The sale values the firm at $25 million, the firm said.

The shares are tokenized on the public ethereum blockchain.

Edmond Tuohy, CEO of MERJ Exchange, said:

“These novel financial instruments are here to reshape the financial industry for years to come. MERJ provides the regulatory framework necessary for investors globally to access these markets in a safe and compliant manner.”

Just over a month ago, CoinDesk reported that MERJ had become the first national stock exchange to offer a tokenized security.

The company said at the time that it had chosen to use ethereum to register ownership of the shares because at this time “it is the best supported protocol for these purposes.”

While located in the Seychelles, MERJ hosts issuers from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. It is licensed by the Indian Ocean nation’s Financial Services Authority as a securities exchange, clearing agency and securities depository (CSD).

Hong Kong-Based Holding Company Appoints Huobi Exchange Founder as CEO

Huobi Group founder Leon Li has been appointed CEO, chairman of the board and executive director of the board of Pantronics Holdings Ltd.

Changes at Pantronics

A press release shared with Cointelegraph on Sept. 10 announced Li’s new roles at Hong Kong -listed holding company Pantronics Holdings Ltd.

The 37-year-old Leon Li, who founded the global digital asset giant Huobi Group in 2013, will help the Hong Kong-based investment company “explore potential new opportunities.” Chris Lee, Pantronics’ current executive director added that Li’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the Pantronics team. He said:

“The global scale of innovative technologies is rising exponentially. Emerging technologies, such as mobile internet, A.I., big data, and especially blockchain technology are radically transforming traditional business models. The knowledge, experiences, and management skills that have allowed Leon to build one of the most successful digital asset companies in the world will be invaluable to the Pantronics team.”

Pantronics Holdings Ltd. might undergo a name change to Huobi Technology Holdings Limited. However, the change will be subject to approval from the Registry of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands and shareholders.

Huobi’s blockchain-powered smartphone

Cointelegraph recently reported that Huobi-invested startup Whole Network was planning to launch its blockchain-powered smartphone, dubbed Acute Angle. The blockchain phone was already available to some users in China, but the actual launch of Acute Angle is scheduled for tomorrow as part of the sixth Huobi Prime launch.

The blockchain phone is produced by the Whole Network startup that Huobi invested in and will be priced at around $500, and can be purchased with the exchange’s native Huobi Token (HT).

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