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Is the IPO Market Heating Up?
StartEngine Private Investors Might See A Big Payday
Caleb Naysmith
August 14, 2024
In partnership with
Recent News
One of the biggest updates of the week might be an indication of larger things to come. Cerebras, an AI chip company, announced a confidential filing to go public. This doesn’t mean it’s going public, but it means it could. This is important because it means the IPO market might be heating up, and because StartEngine sold their shares on StartEngine Private. This means StartEngine Private investors are getting their first look at a potential IPO, but it could mean the IPO marketing is opening up. Read it all here:
Eyecbetter, a healthcare startup using AI to help peoples vision, recently announced they completed testing in animals and will be moving to human testing following another round of funding. The update is a big deal for investors, but could carry them into a successful follow-on funding round.
Alpha Motors, an innovative electric vehicle startup raising on StartEngine, announced the launch of a new product: the SUPERREX. It’s a 4-door, all-electric utility SUV. Check out the vehicle here:
All these stories and more can be read on Media.Hubtas.Com
The Rising Demand for Whiskey: A Smart Investor’s Choice
Why are 250,000 Vinovest customers investing in whiskey?
In a word - consumption.
Global alcohol consumption is on the rise, with projections hitting new peaks by 2028. Whiskey, in particular, is experiencing significant growth, with the number of US craft distilleries quadrupling in the past decade. Younger generations are moving from beer to cocktails, boosting whiskey's popularity.
That’s not all.
Whiskey's tangible nature, market resilience, and Vinovest’s strategic approach make whiskey a smart addition to any diversified portfolio.
Feature of the Week: Comparables
One underrated feature on the Hubtas platform is the “Comparables” tab currently live on every company page. Looking to diversify into a specific sector? The comparables tab not only gives you similar companies you can consider investing in for different value proposition, but it can also see how the company racks and stacks against a host of different companies.
This allows you to compare valuations, revenue, growth and other metrics amid companies in the same sector. This can be an invaluable tool for ensuring investors don’t start buying shares at a valuation way too high relative to the industry.
To check this feature out, make an account at Hubtas.com/pricing
Quant Score Deep Dive: B0arding
Although B0arding has not raised a substantial amount of money, its strong product, amazing growth, and other notable features make it a compelling investment opportunity nonetheless.
Financial Overview: Boarding Inc., operating through its platform b0arding.com, reported nearly $1 million in revenue last year, showcasing its potential in the competitive travel booking industry. The company has successfully raised $250,000 in funding and is actively seeking additional investment through a Reg CF offering on StartEngine, with $15,323.19 raised so far. This financial backing supports their strategic initiatives and growth plans.
Growth Prospects: Boarding Inc. is poised for significant growth, leveraging its collaboration with industry leaders such as Google, Booking.com, and Amadeus. These partnerships have expanded their database to include 2 million hotels and 3 million rooms, enhancing their service offerings. The company aims to increase the percentage of listings with video reviews from the current 1%, providing a more immersive and engaging user experience. This focus on video content aligns with the preferences of younger travelers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who value authenticity and visual engagement.
Market Opportunity: The US travel and hospitality market is projected to reach $198.70 billion in 2024, with online sales expected to contribute 76% of revenue by 2028. Boarding Inc. is strategically positioned to capitalize on this digital transformation by offering a unique, video-driven booking experience. The company's business model mirrors that of successful platforms like Booking.com, allowing users to browse listings and make bookings directly on the platform.
Leadership and Vision: Under the leadership of CEO Victor Nikonets, who brings 20 years of experience in the travel industry, Boarding Inc. is committed to innovation and excellence. The leadership team, including CTO Alex Iurev and CMO Emily Wilson, combines expertise in IT, security, and marketing to drive the company's vision forward.
Investment Proposition: Investing in Boarding Inc. offers a unique opportunity to be part of a company that is revolutionizing the travel booking industry. With its strategic collaborations, innovative approach, and focus on video content, Boarding Inc. is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the growing travel market. The company's commitment to expanding its portfolio and integrating with other travel tech companies further strengthens its growth potential.
Overall Score: 2.79
While it might not seem high, 2.79 actually puts B0arding at #6 based on Hubtas score in all of equity crowdfunding. This reflects its strong revenue growth, near profitability, and favorable valuation.
Valuation Score:
Analysis: The valuation score assesses how the company's current market valuation aligns with its financial performance and growth potential. Boarding Inc. has reported nearly $1 million in revenue, which is a positive indicator. However, the valuation score would also consider the company's price-to-sales ratio of 9.71, which suggests that the market may have high expectations for future growth. The challenge lies in justifying this valuation with continued revenue growth and market expansion.
Financial Score:
Analysis: The financial score evaluates the company's financial health, including profitability, liquidity, and leverage. Boarding Inc. has a gross profit margin of 9.45% and a net profit margin of -1.42%, indicating that while the company generates revenue, it is not yet profitable. The debt-to-asset ratio of 2.48 and a negative debt-to-equity ratio of -1.6754 suggest high leverage, which could pose financial risks. Additionally, the current ratio of 0 indicates potential liquidity challenges, as the company may struggle to meet short-term obligations.
Team Score:
Analysis: The team score reflects the experience and capabilities of the company's leadership. Boarding Inc. is led by CEO Victor Nikonets, who has 20 years of experience in the travel industry, which is a strong positive factor. The team also includes experts in IT and marketing, which are crucial for the company's growth strategy. The team's experience in high-growth startups and collaborations with major industry players like Google and Booking.com further enhance this score.
Risk Score:
Analysis: The risk score considers potential challenges and uncertainties facing the company. Boarding Inc. has identified risks related to related party transactions and significant key man risk, which could impact its operations and decision-making. The company's reliance on a small leadership team and the need to scale video content on its platform are additional risk factors. Addressing these risks through strategic planning and risk management practices is essential for improving this score.