The Startup Stock Exchange has launched

The Startup Stock Exchange (SSX ) a global, regulated marketplace for startup investing and funding launched on June 10, 2013. Investors worldwide can buy shares of vetted startup companies in all sectors and in different stages of growth. “We are now officially open for business,” says CEO Ian Haet. “We are completely operational. Investors can begin registering and startups can start the listing application process.”

Text Jorge Cuartas

As a regulated marketplace, all SSX systems comply with the rules and regulations of the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX), which provides the legal framework for listing and trading via the SSX. The DCSX is located on Curaçao and is an international exchange for the listing and trading of securities, similar to the NYSE or London Exchange. Since Curaçao is a constituent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands it abides by Dutch and European laws. “The Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange in Curaçao offers a regulated and secure environment for investment,” says René Römer, CEO of the DCSX. “The opening of SSX is of great importance for investors and early stage companies around the world and we are excited to work with SSX to provide global investors the opportunity to own shares of innovative listed companies.”

Investors of any level may use SSX; there are no minimum income or investment requirements. Investors buy and sell public stock in startups, while startups raise funds via public offering. Investors worldwide can open an account, verify their identity and start investing. “Once verification is complete, investors can fund their client account and pledge to buy shares of our initial public offerings (IPO’s),” says Haet. “Shares trade freely on the exchange, providing a liquid market. Investors can buy or sell anytime and control their own account. Unlike other funding marketplaces, SSX allows anyone to become an Angel Investor. Using their online brokerage account, they may purchase 1 share, 100 shares, or any amount of shares.” For startups and small businesses, SSX provides a simple and comprehensive process for raising funds online.

Investors of any level may use SSX; there are no minimum income or investment requirements.

For investors, SSX provides access to vetted companies worldwide. SSX performs an extensive review of the company, investigating material facts, potential liabilities and the professional backgrounds of the management team. A company profile page, including share prices, shares, shareholders, trading activity and historical data, as well as company reports every two weeks, ensures total transparency.

For companies, SSX offers a fee structure specifically designed for the capitalization of startups and small businesses. Founders can concentrate on growing since there is only one application and they retain control of their capital. Other benefits for companies include acceptance worldwide in any business sector, easy access to SSX’s global base of investors, mentoring and feedback, and reducing the time required for funding.

For companies, SSX offers a fee structure specifically designed for the capitalization of startups and small businesses.

SSX was founded by Ian Haet and Brian Niessen. As CEO, Haet provides a strategic view, a commitment to the customer and a clear sense of direction. He brings his experience in international business management and technology consulting, real estate development and finance to the company. His background as an entrepreneur and awareness of the challenges faced when seeking capital led him to create the SSX.

As Chairman and CIO, Niessen provides vision and a deep understanding of secure technical systems and data management. He has over 30 years of experience creating and managing technology companies. His expertise includes e-commerce, online banking, online gaming, and large-scale real-time transaction systems.

SSX has received private funding from US and European investors, including Greg Kidd, a first round angel investor in both Twitter and Square. “SSX allows investors to invest with ease and confidence,” says Haet. “We are committed to provide a secure and transparent trading environment. I believe SSX will democratize the marketplace, creating opportunity for startups, early stage businesses and emerging companies.”

The first initial public offering on the Startup Stock Exchange was VIP Only, which offered 250,000 shares at $2 per share on opening day. VIP Only is a daily deal site in North Africa offering exclusive deals on brand-name clothing at discounted prices. Investor clients of the SSX may now enter the website (www.Startup.sx) and pledge to purchase shares of this initial offering. The funding received from this offering by VIP Only will be used to increase its growth in Morocco and expand to Tunisia and Egypt.

For companies seeking capital, SSX accepts applicants from all business sectors. A six step vetting process guides applicants to listing. The first steps are to register and to submit an executive summary of the company’s business proposal. “I am looking forward to the next step,” says Haet. “Worldwide many entrepreneurs are building excellent businesses but don’t have access to the funding they need. At the same time, investors of all sizes don’t have access to vetted companies and diverse early stage opportunities. SSX changes all that. SSX is the marketplace that brings investors and companies together to achieve both of their goals.”