Why BrandShield chose to trade on the London Stock Exchange
Today we shared the exciting news that follows months of planning to get BrandShield listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). We're the first Israeli company and first cybersecurity stock since 2018 to come to the London Stock Exchange.
The placing has provided BrandShield with £3.2 million in new funding to support its growth strategy. It's no secret that COVID-19 has only accelerated the threats and online criminal activity. As an example, earlier this year, BrandShield announced it had neutralized over 150 phishing websites targeting the Levi Strauss & Co's brand. BrandShield’s ARR from new business signed in the first six months of 2020 was almost equivalent to that in the whole of 2019. The funding will help us capitalize on the increasing number of new business opportunities we see. Our admission to AIM will become effective, and dealings will commence on or around 1 December 2020.
So why London Stock Exchange? There are currently 22 Israeli companies on the London markets with a combined market cap of $8.4 billion. When we looked around at our funding options, London was a solid choice: it has a strong capital market looking for companies in growth stage. It also opens up a new market for us which is savvy and thirsty for the solutions and peace of mind we provide. More and more companies are waking up to the dangers that their businesses, customers and staff face from online scams and threats. Being a listed company, as opposed to venture-backed also gives customers the peace of mind that we are not just another cybersec company, we're vested in sticking around and being a reliable partner for them.
I could go on, but for now, I want to thank the BrandShield team and all our advisors who have helped us reach our goalpost. The next part of our journey will be no less exhilarating, I promise.
Best,
Yoav
P.S. Thank you to Or Danon for the photography