Upstream’s biggest milestones of 2023

An overview of Upstream’s dual listings, strategic partnerships, NFT campaign & milestones

By Fernanda De La Torre

Throughout the initiation of Upstream’s dual listing program, the evolution of our strategic media community, the transition to digital collectibles aligning with Upstream’s NFT methodology, the introduction of novel app features, and the incorporation of additional educational resources such as our Upstream Up Close series, the past year has been significant for Upstream. This period marks a substantial stride as we propel ourselves into what we perceive as the future of trading.

Upstream was born in 2023, which is a major accomplishment for the capital markets. Upstream, a MERJ Exchange Market, is the first regulated securities exchange powered by the Ethereum blockchain. It is the only direct access exchange, allowing global investors access to exciting international opportunities directly from their smartphone. Upstream prides ourselves on fostering a fair and transparent marketplace, free from manipulative trading behaviors often observed in other markets. By leveraging smart-contract technology, we ensure the highest level of transparency and level the playing field for all investors. In our short period of existence, we have grown rapidly with over 12k+ users that joined our trading community and queue of Nasdaq, CSE, TSX and other exchange listed securities going through application to list on Upstream.

As we approach 2024, we want to first look back at some of our biggest accomplishments from 2023 that led us to this key moment in our company’s growth.

The Expansion of our Ecosystem

Upstream welcomed many strategic collaborations this year, here are a few:

• Charlie Lee, the creator of Litecoin and Director at the Litecoin Foundation, joined Horizon’s Advisory Board to focus on Upstream.
• Sara Hanks, securities law attorney and CEO of CrowdCheck, began working to introduce Upstream to equity crowdfunding issuers seeking the exit-liquidity potential for investors.
• IBN joined Upstream’s strategic media community to raise global visibility for Upstream issuers
• Upstream welcomed InvestmentPitch Media to its strategic media community to raise visibility for issuers dual listing on Upstream.
• Westmount Capital announced that it had signed a Partnership Agreement with Horizon Fintex Advisors, Ltd. (“HFA”), a registered sponsor advisor to Upstream. This HFA partnership offers Westmount Capital’s Canadian, European, and other international issuers a streamlined path to dual list on Upstream’s next generation market and reach a digital-first investor base.
• Upstream welcomed New to the Street to its Strategic Media Community to raise visibility for issuers dual listing on the market.
• Upstream entered into a collaboration with Spotlight Growth to heighten the visibility of each issuer that has been approved to list on Upstream.
• Equity Stock Transfer, LLC, an SEC-registered stock transfer agent based in New York, deployed a fully operational Application Programming Interface (“API”) to automate the transfer of securities from its software systems to and from Upstream, a MERJ Exchange market.
• Upstream welcomed ADVFN PLC to its strategic media community to provide advertising services to issuers listing on Upstream.

Dual listings on Upstream

2023 marked the initial launch of Upstream’s dual listing program, setting the stage for expansion opportunities in 2024. We’re inviting issuers from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, Malaysia, and other nations to dual list and access a digital-first investor base (non-U.S.) that can trade using an app from anywhere in the world.

It is typically difficult for international investors to purchase U.S. and international equities in a streamlined manner.

Upstream, a MERJ Exchange market, offers what we believe to be a game-changing solution. Traders simply download Upstream, complete light-touch KYC, and fund their account using U.S. dollars, credit card, debit card, PayPal, or USDC digital currency all from within the secure trading app. Upstream aims to unlock liquidity, enhance price discovery, and truly globalize the opportunity to invest in exciting growth opportunities.

Powered by smart-contract technology, Upstream benefits include no short selling, real-time trading and settlement, transparent orderbooks, modern payment methods, FDIC insured USD accounts, Web3 shareholder engagement and a host of additional benefits. An increasing number of companies are finding Upstream. Current issuers are below as we enter 2024:

• BTCS Inc.- a blockchain technology-focused company that secures and operates validator nodes on disruptive next-generation blockchain networks that power Web 3, earning native token rewards by staking our proof-of-stake crypto assets.
• Entrepreneur Resorts Limited- the world’s leading group of Entrepreneur resorts and entrepreneur beach clubs, where entrepreneurs co-work, co-learn, co-live and co-give in paradise locations around the world.
• Creatd, Inc.- a publicly traded portfolio company that owns and operates cutting-edge tech and media assets.

Upstream is actively taking dual listing applications from companies looking to reach a global, digital-first investor base. If you’re interested in the dual listing application, you can book time on our issuer calendar by clicking HERE or you can get started by visiting https://upstream.exchange/GetListed.

NFT Launches

The NFT landscape has undergone a positive transformation in 2023, with a shift in focus from hype and speculation to tangible value, real-world use cases, and innovative applications. Below are some of the numerous NFT launches that Upstream has powered this year:

• Upstream powered its first two digital coupons for issuers to reward and engage with their shareholders. One coupon was redeemable for $179 dollars’ worth of products and another for credits to unlock educational materials. Upstream’s digital coupon strategy aims to turn your shareholders into customers and customers into shareholders.
• Upstream powered St. John’s University “Johnnies Day” Digital Collectible (NFT) at Madison Square Garden! Upstream is collaborating with Universities to offer unique fan engagement opportunities.
• Upstream powered commemorative NFT launches for each of our issuers, celebrating their listing with a digital collectible to hold.
• Upstream powered Ubank’s “Good For Country 2023” NFT launch which served as digital proof of attendance and provided concertgoers with the unique opportunity to show their claimed NFT at UBank’s merch booth for a free shirt.
• Upstream launched an NFT airdrop commemorating NFT.NYC 2023.
• Upstream powered Motocross Rider, Tanya Mizunda’s NFT commemorating her championship season racing lid.
• Upstream launched several holiday NFT airdrops to celebrate our growing audience.
• Upstream powered David Wilson’s first NFT launch, commemorating his round draft pick to the New York Giants. This marked the start of his NFT collection on Upstream which has grown to have 37 live NFTs so far.

Is your brand ready to bring digital collectibles into your strategy for 2024? Reach the Upstream team at hello@upstream.exchange to get started. No exclusive contract, and no upfront costs, all on a regulated, user-friendly market to keep your brand and fans protected.

Upstream Up Close

This year we launched a new Twitter (X) Spaces series, ‘Upstream Up Close’, featuring 10–15 minute conversations about NFTs, blockchain, and trading. There are 10 live episodes available to watch anytime on our YouTube channel or you can read a detailed summary on our weekly blog on Medium. These episodes, along with our blogs and support center showcase how important it is for our team to provide educational materials and tools to our community. More to come in 2024!

• Episode 1- NFTs in Pop Culture
• Episode 2- The Evolution of NFTs
• Episode 3- Redeemable NFTs
• Episode 4- NFT Regulatory Landscape
• Episode 5- Current NFT trends across industries
• Episode 6- Digital Coupons
• Episode 7: How to expand your community by tapping into NFT markets
• Episode 8: Are NFTs really dead?
• Episode 9: Upstream vs Traditional Trading Apps
• Episode 10: Smart Contracts

Additional Announcements

This year Upstream had a lot of exciting news to share which included events, new feature announcements, and conferences. Here are some of the highlights:

• Upstream reached a significant milestone of 12k+ users that joined our trading community.
• Upstream’s co-creator Mark Elenowitz spoke at NFT.NYC during NFT week and shared his insights on NFTs, digital securities, and regulated marketplaces.
• Upstream was an exhibitor sponsor at the Planet MicroCap Showcase in Las Vegas.
• Upstream’s co-creator Mark Elenowitz spoke at The Block LA.
• Upstream announced the launch of its enhanced geofenced NFTs.
• Upstream’s co-creator, Brian Collins spoke on expanding a public company’s investor base at the VCIG IPO Conference.

Conclusion

We are very proud of what the Upstream team has accomplished in 2023. We have launched multiple NFTs, had multiple dual listings go live, launched Upstream Up Close, and expanded our ecosystem with great minds in the industry. We expect to continue to grow in 2024 and introduce the future of trading to a global audience.

Disclaimers

U.S. persons may not deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream.

This communication 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. NFTs have no royalties, equity ownership, or dividends. NFTs are for utility, collection, redemption, or display purposes only. Anyone may buy and sell NFTs on Upstream. All orders for sale are non-solicited by Upstream and a user’s decision to trade securities must be based on their own investment judgment.

Upstream is a MERJ Exchange market. MERJ Exchange is a licensed Securities Exchange, an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges, a National Numbering Agency, and a member of ANNA. MERJ is regulated in the Seychelles by the Financial Services Authority, https://fsaseychelles.sc/, an associate member of the International Association of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). 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 practices 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. All customers are subject to the rules and regulations of their jurisdiction. By accessing the site or app, you agree 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. U.S. persons may not deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream. 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 as compliance with applicable quantitative and qualitative listing standards.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements.” Such statements may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified, and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (ii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iii) loss of one or more key executives or brand ambassadors; and (iv) changes in legal or regulatory requirements in the markets in which we operate. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.