Inside peek at digital stock exchange ‘Upstream’
By Vanessa Malone
Upstream, a MERJ Exchange Market expected Q2 of 2021, is a fully regulated global stock exchange for digital securities.
Powered by Horizon’s proprietary blockchain technology, the exchange will enable investors to trade shares in high-growth startups and other unique asset classes directly from the app.
We believe Upstream represents an honest and accessible marketplace that will empower the everyday investor.
Here’s more on how Upstream plans to usher in the next generation of trading.
Unlocking liquidity in the multi-billion dollar crowdfunding market
Over the last few years, billions have been invested in early-stage companies, yet no dedicated exchange has existed to provide exit-liquidity.
Upstream aims to provide the first dedicated secondary market for crowdfunded securities to trade in real-time from the userfriendly trading app. While traditional marketplaces may cater to sophisticated investors, Upstream is built for investors of all levels with streamlined trading strategy tools and unique engagement features to keep up with the issuers.
Upstream is actively accepting listing applications from existing issuers who have completed their offerings on crowdfunding platforms around the world, and who are looking to provide exit-liquidity to their shareholders and offer their shares to a whole new set of fans, investors, and traders.
Hub for fan-driven asset classes
Upstream will support securities offerings tied to fan-driven asset classes including athletes, sports teams, celebrities, and musicians that may become immediately eligible for secondary trading.
Through Upstream’s affiliation with Global Fan Exchange, a Horizon-powered fan engagement platform led by leaders in sports and entertainment, we aim to make Upstream the go-to place for fans to invest, drive awareness, and share in the success of celebrity ventures.
Empowering the retail investor
Upstream is an investor-driven market. This differs from many of today’s retail marketplaces where pricing relies on market makers and routing order flow.
Unlike traditional trading apps that offer windows into exchanges, Upstream offers direct access to the exchange. We empower the investor to manage their securities as simply as they would manage their bank accounts and other payment applications. On Upstream, traders control their securities directly on their phones and all transactions are biometrically protected.
Traders can securely trade and instantly settle securities in EUR, USD, JPY or GBP using the Upstream app. Securities eligible to list will include common stock, preferred stock, bonds and compliantly issued security tokens.
Blockchain technology with userfriendly interface
On the surface, Upstream offers an intuitive trading app for investors of all levels. Under the hood, the exchange and trading app features next generation transparency and investor protections using blockchain technology.
Upstream has a public orderbook with best bids and offers transparently displayed in real-time on the Ethereum blockchain. The orderbook is driven by the investor community rather than market makers. All trades and important transactions are digitally signed, adding increased investor protection. No routing order flow, and predatory market practices like short selling will be proactively prevented on Upstream.
In conclusion
We believe Upstream represents the future of trading: a market that empowers the retail investor, is fair by design, and brings together a global community of issuers and investors.
About Upstream:
Upstream, a MERJ Exchange Market, is a fully regulated global stock exchange for digital securities. Powered by Horizon’s proprietary matching engine technology, the exchange will enable investors to trade shares in high-growth startups and other unique asset classes directly from the app https://upstream.exchange. Interested issuers can reach the team at hello@upstream.exchange.
About Horizon:
Horizon is a fintech company that builds and powers global securities exchanges with an integrated suite of software for compliant issuance, management, and secondary trading of securities. Our in-house solutions combine Wall Street and Silicon Valley to power the next generation of securities offerings and trading in the U.S. and globally. https://www.horizonfintex.com/.
Disclaimers:
Upstream is a MERJ Exchange market. MERJ Exchange is a licensed Securities Exchange, an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges and full member of ANNA. MERJ supports global issuers of traditional and digital securities through the entire asset life cycle from issuance to trading, clearing, settlement and registry. It operates a fair and transparent marketplace in line with international best practice and principles of operations of financial markets. Upstream does not endorse or recommend any public or private securities bought or sold on its app. Upstream does not offer investment advice or recommendations of any kind. All services offered by Upstream are intended for self-directed clients who make their own investment decisions without aid or assistance from Upstream. Customers must comply with applicable law of their own jurisdiction. By accessing the site or app, you agreed to be bound by its terms of use and privacy policy. Company and security listings on Upstream are only suitable for investors who are familiar with and willing to accept the high risk associated with speculative investments, often in early and development stage companies. There can be no assurance the valuation of any particular company’s securities is accurate or in agreement with the market or industry comparative valuations. Investors must be able to afford market volatility and afford the loss of their investment. Companies listed on Upstream are subject to significant ongoing corporate obligations including, but not limited to disclosure, filings and notification requirements, as well compliance with applicable quantitative and qualitative listing standards.
THIS BLOG SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL SECURITIES OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT PERMITTED.
