AnalytixInsight

While this past week, was relatively quiet in terms of Canadian small cap equity funding; sports betting and gaming stocks performed well. Sophic client, Luckbox (LUCK-TSXV) stock performed well as the company announced its entry into sports betting and Sophic client Kontrol Technologies (KNR-CSE) stock also performed well on the back of a $2 million funding from the province of Ontario. In the USA, Robinhood appears to be going ahead with its plans to go public in 2021 as downloads surged despite recent weeks’ public relations fiasco. In other developments, the tech media had some fresh data on Apple’s speculated virtual reality headset, which will reportedly cost US$3,000 and have 12 cameras with eye-tracking technology.

In Canadian tech & clean tech capital markets, this past week, we witnessed some healthy activity related to cryptocurrencies, as well as Sophic Client, UGE International (UGE-TSXV) raising over $6 million through a bought deal offering. Many Canadian investors are also aware of Monkey Knife Fight, which is being acquired by Bally’s, we were impressed by the product’s engagement as we followed the company’s evolution over the past few years. In the USA, and overall markets the Gamestop / Wallstreetbets has captured everyone’s attention and increased market volatility. As some may have speculated WeWork could be considering going public via a SPAC, Roblox’s IPO could be delayed, and Coinbase is considering going public via a direct listing.

Canadian tech & clean tech capital markets had an eventful week, marked by new issues, fund raising and M&A. In the USA, there was considerable chatter focused on the recent GameStop stock pop and resultant drama. Crunchbase had some interesting data around unicorns and their recent proliferation. Meanwhile, Bitcoin seems to be undergoing a correction, which some attribute to Janet Yellen’s comments at her recent Senate confirmation hearing.

We had a busy week in Canadian capital markets, marked by fundraising in public and private markets, as well as M&A activity. Public markets interest seems focused on the crypto, healthcare tech, esports/sports betting and ESG sectors. In the USA, high profile SaaS companies issued converts & bonds. High profile IPOs performed well, with the Visa-Plaid acquisition called off, with some speculating the company could choose to go public in an enthusiastic public market.