Coinworks Limited Private offering of shares Executive Summary The story of bitcoin is well known - a revolutionary new form of money for the internet that turned its early adopters into multi-millionaires. What is less well known is the breakthrough technology behind bitcoin – a ground-breaking system of record-keeping known as the blockchain. Blockchain technology has a myriad of potential applications that go beyond alternative money systems - in financial markets, communication, law, accountancy, trade, financial markets, registration, and social networking. Some even argue it will change the way the internet currently works. Coinworks Limited has been established to invest early in the cycle in a small and focused portfolio of leading edge companies within the digital currency, blockchain and fintech ecosystem. Coinworks anticipates an early listing on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. Coinworks will work with the companies it invests in to accelerate commercialisation of their products and services, effectively offering an incubation service in addition to seed capital. This will involve active monitoring as an advisor to the company, help with managing professional services and appropriately structuring the business to allow the founders to focus on product development and commercialisation of the product. Currently the company is in discussions to make investments in 3 businesses. Following the listing of Coinworks on AIM the directors anticipate investing in a portfolio of 7-10 companies. These companies are likely to be involved in various sectors within the digital currency space including remittance and money transfers, market making, micropayments, security, and payment processing. Coinworks believes that as the sector matures opportunities will arise to develop the Company into an investment manager and merchant bank for the sector. Details of the offer and use of proceeds The Company is offering up to 5,000,000 ordinary shares in priced at £0.05 a share for a total subscription of £250,000, representing 33% of the company’s capital. The subscription amount will be held in the client account of DMH Stallard LLP, Solicitors to the Company, pending the completion of the issue. The minimum uptake to the issue will be £150,000. The net proceeds will be used to undertake initial investments within the sector, for general working capital and for preparatory work and costs ahead of the intended listing on the AIM market. Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300) Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies Bitcoin is the first decentralised, digital currency. Bitcoin is an internet currency, a protocol that enables the transfer of value directly from person to person on a decentralised, trustless basis. There is no central authority or issuer. The code is open source – it can be viewed by anybody and it is maintained by the community. Bitcoin is held in a wallet that is directly controlled by the user on a personal device or on a web wallet on the internet. Bitcoin is secured by cryptography: each address has a public key, which is published, and a private key, which is kept secret. Putting the 2 keys together unlocks the bitcoin and permits access and transmission to the holder of the private key. The genius of bitcoin is that by design it is decentralised by allowing for trust to be distributed – you do not have to trust any central authority and if one or several nodes in the system fail that does not bring down the system as a whole. This distributed trust is achieved by the introduction of the concept of the block chain, an invention that is arguably even more radical than bitcoin itself. The block chain is effectively a public ledger where transactions and holdings of bitcoin are recorded and new transactions are confirmed independently and continuously by network participants known as miners. Miners are seeking to harvest newly created bitcoins by a mining process that involves verifying bitcoin transactions whilst seeking to solve a mathematical algorithm to find a specified value. Finding this value unlocks the current block and releases the newly created bitcoins. The protocol releases new bitcoins at a predefined rate, which adjusts automatically depending on the amount of mining participants on the network. If there are many miners difficulty rises, if there are fewer it falls. The total number of bitcoins is capped at 21 million, and to date almost 14 million have been mined – the rate at which they are to be issued is scheduled to fall progressively over time until it reaches the cap. Hence bitcoin is deliberately designed to be deflationary as well as decentralised and trust less - it is designed to be a store of value as well as a digital medium of exchange. Following bitcoin hundreds of other digital currencies (cryptocurrencies) have been invented, attempting to improve on bitcoin. Whilst there has been much innovation no successor cryptocurrency has yet managed to establish a network effect sufficient to challenge bitcoin – to such an extent that bitcoin continues to account for over 90% of total crypto currency market capitalisation and daily trading volume. The invention of bitcoin means that traditional financial institutions and intermediaries are no longer necessary in order to make payments or transact digitally and remotely with other human beings. Bitcoin is cash for the internet – enabling digital value transfer over time and space. What once required the authority of a central bank can now be achieved through open, distributed cryptographic algorithms. Bitcoin is the distributed trust network that the Internet has always needed and has never had – Internet 2.0. The far reaching implications of this invention are still not widely understood but, in our view, promise to dramatically change the entire international financial system. Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300) Who uses Bitcoin and how There are almost 100,000 businesses and merchants that use and transact in Bitcoin including Microsoft Dell PayPal Time Inc Amazon Expedia Subway Home Depot Tesla Whole Foods Sears Overstock As adoption increases, larger numbers of companies are enabling their customers and clients to acquire their goods and services online. Bitcoin can now be used to buy anything from food to cars to insurance. The vast majority of transactions are paid online, however smartphone apps enable people to pay for goods and services face to face. The number of daily transactions exceeded 100,000 a day up from around 60,000 a day in March 2014 with daily average transaction values of $50,000,000 per day*. (Source; blockchain.info) UK regulatory position The UK government has taken an enlightened position on the regulation of cryptocurrencies. Rather than rushing to impose burdensome regulation the UK has adopted a wait and see approach such that bitcoin and cryptocurrency transactions have not been brought into any official regulatory framework yet. Similarly HMRC has taken a sensible approach in providing measured and helpful guidance which effectively classifies bitcoin as similar to a foreign currency (without being one). The UK government is firmly committed to embracing technological innovation in financial services as a means of preserving the UK’s lead in financial services and also in order to ensure that innovation that may significantly improve the financial and payments system is not quashed by overly zealous regulation. In order to inform its approach the UK Treasury published a call for information at the end of 2014 in which it asked for views from the public and industry participants on regulation and potential regulatory approaches. We await the outcome of this review but would expect the UK’s position to emerge as one of measured and sensible regulation where necessary. Generally it is notable that some of the largest and most successful cryptocurrency businesses, such as blockchain.info, have opted to domicile their operations in the UK as a result of this forward thinking and positive approach by the UK government. We expect the UK to emerge as the leading international centre for digital currency innovation. Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300) Recent investments and transactions within the Crypto currency world Increasing levels of investment is being made into the sector. 2014 saw over $430m usd of investment received and 2015 began with a significant investment of $75m into Coinbase, the largest US based bitcoin wallet provider and exchange. This investment is particularly important not just in terms of the scale but because the investors included the NYSE, Spanish bank BBVA and Japanese Telco NTT DoCoMo. 2015 examples Company business model investment size lead investor 9th February Bit Pesa diaspora cash remitance $1.1m Pantera Capital 3rd February KnCminer Bitcoin miner $15m Accel Partners 3rd February NeuCoin Micropayments $1.25m Patrick Stymne 28th January Biflyer Market $1.1m Bit Coin Opportunity Corp 26th January Coinbase Exchange $75m New York Stock Exchange Large Transactions 2014 Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300) Directors and Management Adam Cleary; Director Adam Cleary is the Founder of Bullion Bitcoin Limited which operates bullionbitcoin.com - a bitcoin to gold bullion exchange platform. He is also the Chief Executive of Coin Capital Limited, a regulated investment management firm investing in digital currency businesses and a Director and Founder Member of the UK Digital Currency Association, the trade association that promotes digital currencies in the UK. Adam is a leading figure in the UK digital currency sector. Prior to becoming involved in financial technology and digital currency Adam worked as an investment manager and research analyst at a number of investment banks in London and Hong Kong. Adam’s role will be to source and assess potential investments, and work with investee companies to monitor the digital currency technology proposition and the business as a whole. Christian West; Director Christian has worked in the capital markets as both a fund manager and broker since 1998. He is and has been a director of a number of financial mining and natural resources companies, both private and public. He is a Director of RDP Limited, a venture capital group specializing in natural resource investments. Christian’s role will be to assess potential investments and work with investee companies to develop their brand and promote business development and commercialisation. David Hutchins; Non-Executive Chairman David (“Sam”) Hutchins has over 30 years of investment experience in Australia and the UK and is currently a partner in RDP Fund Management LLP, the investment manager for London listed Global Resources Investment Trust plc. He has been a director of numerous public and private companies, including “start-up” companies, such as www.minesite.com, a resource industry specific news related website and conference business. David is Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments and a Member of the FTSE Gold Mines Index Committee. Dominic Frisby: Non-Executive Director Dominic is the author of two books - Life After The State ("fascinating, alarming, contentious" James Harding) and Bitcoin; the Future of Money? ("Read it and glimpse into he future", Sir Richard Branson).He writes a weekly column for MoneyWeek magazine, as well as various other publications, and is MoneyWeek's commentator on gold, cryptocurrencies and commodities. As an investor, he has a long history investing in small caps, particularly junior resource companies and tech. He is the presenter and producer of Frisby's Bulls & Bears - an internet radio show in which he discusses financial and economic matters with leading lights of the sector. Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300) Summary Coinworks offers the opportunity to participate in one of the fastest growing sectors in the fintech space. 1. Daily transactions are increasing Source; coinbase.com 2. Users are increasing Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300) 3. Investment is increasing As adoption, usage and acceptance of cryptocurrency increases, companies and technologies with a first mover advantage, combined with the adoption of a rigorous business plan and an understanding of the fast moving environment within which they work, will be able to cement a strong competitive advantage. Coinworks sees the opportunity space as an incubator and investor to grow with the sector, advising investee companies as they transition from concept through development and commercialisation of their ideas and products. Coinworks will look to invest in a core portfolio of between 7-10 companies enabling a close working relationship and involvement with the companies. Coinworks will seek to crystalise its investments though eventual, listing or sales of its interests which will be managed carefully andin conjunction with the investee company. As the sector develops the management believe opportunities will arise to generate significant additional value for shareholders through opening other income streams The current team has significant experience in the sector and a background in investment and finance that will enable them to evaluate the opportunities on both their technical merit and their ability to crystallise and commercialise their ideas within a disciplined framework. The team will grow and evolve as investments are undertaken and discussions are underway with a number of candidates with a complimentary skill set. Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300) Disclaimer This executive summary does not purport to be all-inclusive or necessarily contain all the information that a prospective investor may desire in considering an investment in Coinworks and the matters described in the executive summary, and may be subject to updating, revision or amendment. This executive summary is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision by a prospective investor and does not outline all legal, financial, taxation, regulatory, accounting and other risks or consequences of making any investment in Coinworks. Interested parties should carry out their own investigations and analysis of the executive summary and of the data referred to in the executive summary and should consult their own advisers before proceeding with any investment. The information contained in this executive summary will not constitute or form any part of any offer for subscription nor will any such information form the basis of any contract in respect thereof. Any investor must rely on the terms and conditions contained in such a contract subject to such limitations and restrictions as may be specified therein. The opinions and information contained in this executive summary have not been verified by Coinworks or its advisers nor has it been independently verified as to its accuracy. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is given by Coinworks or any of their respective directors, officers, affiliates, employees, advisers or agents (and any warranty expressed or implied by statute is hereby excluded) as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this executive summary or any other document or information supplied at any time or any opinions or projections expressed therein, nor is any such party under any obligation to update the executive summary or correct any inaccuracies or omissions in it which may exist or become apparent. Any financial illustrations are projections based on judgmental estimates and assumptions made about circumstances and events, which have not yet taken place. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any projected returns will be attained. In particular, no representation or warranty whatsoever is given in relation to the reasonableness or achievability of any illustrations contained in this executive summary or in relation to the bases and assumptions underlying such illustrations and you must satisfy yourself in relation to the reasonableness, achievability and accuracy thereof. No responsibility or liability is accepted for any loss or damage howsoever arising that you may suffer as a result of this executive summary and any and all responsibility and liability is expressly disclaimed by Coinworks and their respective directors, officers, affiliates, employees, advisers and agents. This executive summary has not been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), nor is it intended that any further versions of this executive summary will be so approved. Any sale of shares in Coinworks will only be made to qualified investors for the purposes of and as defined in section 86(7) of Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) and accordingly this executive summary does not constitute, and Coinworks is not making an offer to the public within the meaning of sections 85(1) and 102B of FSMA. For the purpose of Section 21 of FSMA, this executive summary constitutes a financial promotion which has been issued by Coinworks, but whose content has not been approved by any person authorised by the FCA. Accordingly, it may only be used as a communication made to (i) persons authorised under FSMA and other categories of “investment professional” defined in accordance with article 19 of FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the Order); (ii) “certified high net worth individuals” as defined in accordance with article 48 of the Order; (iii) high value entities as referred to in article 49(2) (a), (b) and/or (c) of the Order (or individuals in their capacities as directors, officers or employees of such entities); (iv) “sophisticated investors” as defined in accordance with article 50 of the Order; and (v) “self-certified sophisticated investors” as defined in accordance with article 50A of the Order. Coinworks has not sanctioned the use of this executive summary for a financial promotion to any person not falling under articles 19, 48, 49, 50 or 50A of the Order and no such person should place reliance upon this executive summary for any purpose. Use of this executive summary other than in accordance with this restriction is not permitted and may contravene FSMA. This executive summary is not being distributed to persons outside the United Kingdom, and the distribution of this executive summary into jurisdictions other than the United Kingdom may be restricted by law. Any failure to comply with any of the restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities law of any such jurisdiction Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300) (Restricted Jurisdiction). In particular this executive summary should not be distributed in or into, forwarded to or transmitted to the United States or any other Restricted Jurisdiction. The shares in Coinworks have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act 1933 or under the securities laws of any state, district or other jurisdiction of the United States, or under the securities laws of any other Restricted Jurisdiction or any state, province or territory thereof or any other jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom. There will be no public offer in any Restricted Jurisdiction. Accordingly, the shares of Coinworks may not be taken up, offered, sold, resold, delivered or distributed, directly or indirectly, through CREST or otherwise, within, into or from the United States or any of the other Restricted Jurisdictions or to, or for the account of, any person with a registered address in, or who is resident or ordinarily resident in, or a citizen of such jurisdictions or to any person in any country or territory where to do so would or might contravene local securities laws or regulations except pursuant to an applicable exemption. This executive summary does not and will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy shares of Coinworks or any other securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. No action has been taken by Coinworks that would permit an offer of shares in Coinworks or possession or distribution of this executive summary where action for that purpose is required. Persons into whose possession this executive summary comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities law or other laws of any such jurisdictions. No reliance may be placed for any purpose whatsoever on the information or opinions contained in this executive summary or on its completeness, accuracy or fairness, save that Coinworks shall not exclude any liability for, or remedy in respect of, fraudulent misrepresentation in this executive summary. Forward Looking Statement All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this executive summary, including, without limitation, those regarding Coinworks’s financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations or statements relating to expectations in relation to sales, earnings, profits or dividends or any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “targets”, “believes”, “expects”, “aims”, “intends”, “plans”, “will”, “may”, “anticipates”, “would”, “could” or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond Coinworks’s control that could cause the actual results, performance, achievements of or dividends paid by, Coinworks to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements, or dividend payments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Coinworks’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which Coinworks will operate in the future. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date of this executive summary. If you have not received this executive summary directly from Coinworks, your receipt is unauthorised. Please return this executive summary to Coinworks immediately. Smaller Company Capital Ltd (No. 672403) is an appointed representative of Vicarage Capital Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the FCA (No. 455300)
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