Improving the investor relations experience for companies and shareholders alike is a key challenge today, and most industry observers would agree that well-informed shareholders become faithful shareholders. In an era of so many, often conflicting information channels, trust and validity become increasingly valuable commodities, even more so in light of recent events.
Demand for more engagement
In response to this, something exciting has been happening in the world of market communications. Issuers have recognised that we are now entering global market, and that it is time to take back control of the news flow. As demand from investors for more engagement and less interference increases, companies are in search for tools that will enable them to reach the global audience of both institutional and retail investors in a more direct and relevant manner.
While website usage has decreased dramatically over the last two years, smartphone and multimedia usage has taken a quantum leap, and over 56% of listed firms already using social media to get their message heard. With users of mobile tech now spending 89% of their usage time on apps, logical progression has led companies to turn this trend to their advantage – a movement that is helping generate a number of innovative cost- and time-saving ideas.
Niche fintech solution founded in Switzerland
One of these is SharesInside, a niche fintech solution founded in Switzerland in 2016, that believes both small and large market cap companies alike should have an equal opportunity to interact with the global shareholder community, regardless of budget. Used with great success across Europe it has helped many companies increase investor engagement, gain new shareholders, and save management time and money, the compact team are now working to meet strong global demand.
A truly modern app, readily available on your handset, tablet or computer, this mobile tool is dedicated to revolutionising and modernising global Investor Relations by simplifying communication between Issuers and the global shareholder community.
Designed as a single forum where the real players come together, SharesInside works to keep shareholders up to date without any advertising, noise, third party interference and on the company’s own terms.
Dave Hannam, Co-Founder of SharesInside
Increasing exposure to the investor community worldwide, and helping take shareholder diversification to a new level, often key to helping stabilize share price and avoid panic selling.
Fundamentally, as soon as shareholders see the decision makers speaking directly to them and notifying them of any changes, they begin to feel personally appreciated, creating stronger bonds and commitment. This is of particular relevance in times of crisis and reputational risk management. Given the speed with which stories – especially negative news – can spread today, companies are urgently in need of dynamic tools with the capability to instantly inform all their investors of any key developments at the push of a button. It goes without saying that the ability to connect across the shareholder base in real- time, before reputation damaging media or rumours can spread across social media and third party outlets, can be worth millions.
A real game-changer
A real game-changer and of particular interest for the fund industry as information is traditionally segmented between administrators, distributors and the fund manager at the expense of the investor. Now a secure platform can act as a common place for all parties to upload relevant information to ensure investors have a complete overview of their investments in real time.
Investors are offered ultimate convenience as they access the platform through a free mobile app and can, with one simple click, chose to follow the Companies, Funds or Start-Ups that make up their portfolio which will both subscribe this investor to real time alerts and also add this company to the investors personalised watchlist. Cutting out all noise, advertising and conflicting opinions, the most up to date and accurate information is neatly organised and available on the investor’s handset wherever they maybe.
Modern technology is certainly more accessible now than ever and solutions such as these are undoubtedly the way forwards.
Kurt Beck – Founder SharesInside
Born and raised in Switzerland, I realized quickly, that the world of finance and economy is where I want to spend my professional time. As a trader for J.P Morgen in Zürich, London, and New York, I got the chance to work for one of the best in Market.
In 1995 I founded my first company in the Financial Market and sold it 8 years later. The company is still going strong today under the new Management. After living and working for 12 years in New Zealand and Australia and 2 new companies founded and sold, I decided to go back to Europe for a while.
And it was here, when I found out how much money is looking for a place to go and how many really good companies, fund managers and Start-Ups there are around the globe, which are not meeting the right investors. How will small companies ever get access to overseas investors? And how can an investor find these pearls around the globe without spending time or money to filter conflicting opinions and noise.
Out of frustration, SharesInside was born with the goal to make it simple to find the right investment for everybody, whatever your style, location or preference. And an easy way for companies to keep investors up to date about progress and vision, without any third-party involved.
