Willemstad – Startup Stock Exchange (SSX), a global, regulated marketplace for startup investing and funding, was launched on June 10th and is now open for Russian investors and Russian startups.
On SSX, investors of any level buy ownership shares of vetted startup companies. Shares trade freely on the exchange, providing a liquid market. Investors can buy or sell anytime and control their own account. For startups and small businesses, SSX provides a simple and comprehensive process for raising funds online.
“We are now officially open for business”, says Ian Haet, CEO and co-founder of SSX. “We are completely operational. Investors around the world can create a trading account and companies can start their listing application process. SSX allows investors to invest with ease and confidence. I believe SSX will democratize the marketplace, opening opportunity to startups, early stage businesses and emerging companies.”
For the Russian market, SSX offers benefits to investors and startups alike. Russian investors will be able to participate and trade in vetted companies worldwide. Russian startups will gain access to a pool of international investors. “I know from experience how frustrating it is to get funding for startups”, says Mr. Haet. “It’s difficult to find and convince investors. It’s even more difficult to get them to invest in your idea. SSX changes that. Russian companies can now reach investors worldwide with just one application. They will be able to concentrate on innovation, product development and growing.”
For investors, SSX provides access to vetted companies worldwide. SSX performs an extensive review of the company, investigating material facts, potential liabilities and the professional backgrounds of the management team. A company profile page including share prices, shares, shareholders, trading activity and historical data, as well as company reports every two weeks ensure total transparency. “Unlike other funding marketplaces, SSX allows anyone to become an Angel Investor”, says Mr. Haet. “We have no minimum income or investment requirements. Using their online brokerage account, any Russian investor may purchase 1 share, 100 shares, or any amount of shares.”
SSX operates via the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX) in Curaçao. The DCSX is an international exchange for the listing and trading of domestic and international securities, similar to the NYSE or London Exchange. Curaçao is a constituent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and abides to Dutch and European laws.
“Russian investors can open an account, verify their identity and start investing”, says Mr. Haet. “Once verification is complete, they can fund their client account and pledge to buy shares of our initial public offerings (IPO’s).” Russian companies seeking capital, can register and start a six step vetting process. The first steps are to register and to submit an executive summary of the company’s business proposal.
“I am looking forward to the next step”, says Mr. Haet. “Many innovative entrepreneurs in Russia are building excellent businesses but don’t have access to the funding they need. At the same time, Russian investors of all sizes don’t have access to vetted companies and diverse early stage opportunities. SSX changes all that. We are the better way.”
- Note for editors: Ian Haet, co-founder and CEO of SSX is available for interviews (live, phone, skype, email). Please contact SSX Marketing & Communication Lead, Jorge Cuartas (Tel: +1 415-251-1881 / Skype: StartupStockExchange / Email: [email protected])
