29
April 2024
Ikigai Ventures
Limited
("Ikigai"
or the "Company")
Appointment of Kane Black as
new Chief Executive Officer
Ikigai Ventures Limited (IKIV:LSE),
a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) listed on the main
market of the London Stock Exchange, and established to acquire one
or more companies or businesses with solid Environmental, Social
and Governance (ESG) credentials, is pleased to announce the
appointment of Kane Black as the Company's new Chief Executive
Officer with immediate effect.
Nicholas Bryan-Brown has now stepped
down from the Company's Board following the expiration of his CEO
contract and as outlined in the Company's interim results for the
six months to 31 December 2023, announced on 15 March
2024.
Kane Black, most recently the Chief
Executive Officer and current Non-Executive Director of INEX
Innovate, a leading Singapore based medical diagnostics and
laboratory operator, brings over two decades of experience in
technology across Asia, with a particular focus on medical
technology. Kane Black will lead Ikigai's initiatives in seeking
out acquisition opportunities within the dynamic technology sector
of the Asia Pacific region. Ikigai continues its dedication to
identifying companies with solid ESG credentials in sectors such as
healthcare, finance, agriculture, mining, and artificial
intelligence.
Nicholas Bryan-Brown, concluding his
tenure as CEO, expressed confidence in Mr. Black's appointment,
stating: "We welcome Kane Black as CEO of Ikigai and believe his
extensive experience and Asia-focused network will be invaluable in
identifying suitable acquisition opportunities for the Company in
the region."
Kane Black, CEO of Ikigai, said:
"I am delighted to assume the role of Chief
Executive Officer at Ikigai Ventures Limited. The London Stock
Exchange, renowned globally as the world's foremost international
exchange, is witnessing a growing attraction from companies based
in the Asia Pacific region. Its advantageous time zone,
longstanding connections to Asia, and deep pools of capital make
listing on the London Main Market via a SPAC, such as Ikigai,
exceptionally appealing. Notably, there has been considerable
enthusiasm surrounding a London IPO lately, evidenced by a 28%
uptick in capital raised last year* and, In the first quarter of
2024, London saw a total of US$9.1 billion raised through Initial
Public Offerings (IPOs) and Follow-On Offerings
(FOs)**."
*Dealogic, 22 January 2024. Capital Market Volumes refers to both IPOs and
FOs
**London Stock Exchange, Dealogic,
April 2024
For
further information please contact:
|
Ikigai Ventures Limited
|
Via IFC
|
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Kane Black, CEO
|
|
|
Cosign Limited (Company Secretary)
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+44 (0)1481 211 000
|
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Amit Taylor
|
|
|
Strand Hanson Limited (Financial Adviser)
Rory Murphy / Abigail
Wennington
|
+44 (0) 207 409 3494
|
|
Novum Securities (Broker)
|
+44 (0) 207 399 9400
|
|
Colin Rowbury
|
|
|
|
|
|
IFC
Advisory Limited (Financial PR and IR)
|
+44 (0) 203 934 6630
|
|
Tim Metcalfe
Zach Cohen
|
|
Further Information
As part of Mr. Black's compensation,
included is an incentive scheme where he will receive shares upon
the successful completion of a reverse takeover ("RTO"), up to a
maximum of 10% of Ikigai's share capital prior to any successful
RTO, with the number of shares determined by the transaction's size
and the percentage of the company retained by current shareholders
of Ikigai post the RTO.