TokenMarket Joins Forces with CMS equIP to Support Start-ups

LONDON, June 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global investment platform TokenMarket today announces a partnership with CMS equIP, the global accelerator programme for tech start-ups run by international law firm CMS. equIP will become preferred legal advisor to ambitious growth companies that are raising capital via Security Token Offerings ('STOs')^[1].

The partnership brings together two specialist support providers for early-stage, businesses looking to raise growth finance. TokenMarket has completed more than 30 blockchain-based fundraises since the end of 2016, helping to secure over £250M for its clients. The company was one of the first to apply for digital asset licenses in the UK, Malta, Gibraltar and Dubai in order to perform security offerings on the blockchain. 

CMS equIP offers affordable legal advice and other value added services including exclusive training, introductions and networking opportunities to early stage, IP-rich start-ups across 20 countries, giving them access to proven industry expertise at every stage of their growth, whether they are expanding their business, entering a new market, looking for advice under a different country's law or structuring a deal in another jurisdiction.

equIP's global reach and reputation mean it can offer businesses around the world the same levels of high quality legal advice, training, mentoring and networking opportunities, all the while reflecting local practices, laws and regulations. Since its inception, equIP has successfully helped over 100 technology clients to successfully complete over 60 individual rounds of fundraising.

Today's partnership will help SME growth companies in the CMS equIP programme to raise finance through STOs, leveraging TokenMarket's investment platform and investor community. In turn, TokenMarket clients will be able to access expert legal advice to support their STOs.

TokenMarket and CMS equIP together will deploy a vigorous selection process to carefully select companies which they believe have the best commercial possibility for exits in a 3-7 year window. The creation of tokenised primary and secondary markets will provide self-certified investors access to new investments, and quicker opportunities for exits, than those offered by traditional VC or private equity deals.

Ryan Hanley, Managing Director, commented:

"SMEs are the backbone of any modern economy, but many are held back by the scarcity and expense of growth finance. STOs open up a new, cheaper, easier way for ambitious companies to raise capital. Today's announcement is an exciting milestone for bringing STOs further into the mainstream. By partnering with CMS equIP, not only will we identify companies with the most commercial promise, but we will offer these companies another, crucial level of support in navigating the world of STO financing."

Charles Kerrigan, Banking Partner at CMS, added:

"We are pleased to partner with TokenMarket. TokenMarket are a young and innovative company representing a number of exciting businesses from across the blockchain community who boast exceptional qualities that we seek from early-stage businesses joining the CMS equIP programme. Our partnership will also provide real value for equIP members who are interested to explore the STO framework of financing via TokenMarket's investment platform and community. We are excited to be working with TokenMarket and their clients, and look forward to the synergies that this partnership will bring."

About TokenMarket

TokenMarket is a global investment platform providing an end-to-end service for token creation, presale and public sale, supporting safe and secure Initial Coin Offering ('ICO') or Security Token Offering ('STO'). Founded in 2016, TokenMarket has offices in London, Gibraltar, Helsinki and Singapore. Since 2017 TokenMarket has assisted over 30 of the most innovative blockchain companies raising over £240m in total, issuing digital tokens to over 250k investors.

For more information visit www.tokenmarket.net.

About CMS equIP

CMS equIP is a curated accelerator designed to give IP-rich start-ups and entrepreneurs in the technology sector the tools they need to grow and succeed. Through this platform, CMS lawyers and specialists act as trusted advisors, providing start-ups with access to investors, exclusive training and mentoring opportunities and an active peer network. Members have access to industry-focused legal advice across all areas of law at discounted rates from lawyers highly experienced in working with entrepreneurial companies. Launched in the UK in 2015 and now offered in 20 countries, the global programme has worked with over 100 companies including, Sonalytic, Appyparking, Crowdicity and Passle.

About CMS

CMS provides clients with specialist, business focused advice in law and tax matters. With our 4,500 legal professionals across the world, working in sector-based teams and expert in project management, our focus is on our clients and fulfilling their objectives.

For more information contact:

James Isola, Maitland
jisola@maitland.co.uk
Tel: +44-(0)-207-379-5151

Benjamin Peach, TokenMarket
ben@tokenmarket.net

Laura Swartz, CMS
laura.swartz@cms-cmno.com
Tel: +44-(0)-207-367-2303

^[1] Security tokens are digital securities that are recorded on the blockchain and regulated in the same way as ordinary securities, offering investors the same rights and protections.

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