OpenWorld begins trading on Nasdaq following VerifyMe merger

On a recent trading day, OpenWorld, Inc. debuted on the Nasdaq under the ticker OPNW, marking the conclusion of its merger with VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRME). The newly-formed entity adopted the name OpenWorld, Inc. immediately following the merger. The company has expressed intentions to list on Figure OPEN, a blockchain-based trading platform, expected to commence operations by November 2026.

Matthew Shaw will function as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the newly merged company. Shaw is a seasoned entrepreneur, having co-founded several tech and crypto businesses and serving as a director on multiple token projects. Russ McMeekin, another key figure, will act as Group President. He brings extensive experience to the role, having spent over a decade as a senior executive at Honeywell International, including a stint as President of its Internet and Advanced Software business.

As stated by Adam Stedham, former Chief Executive Officer of VerifyMe, "At VerifyMe, our primary objective has always been to create market value for our shareholders, and this merger represents the clearest path to achieving that objective." OpenWorld specializes in real-world asset tokenization, offering infrastructure that converts cash flows from operating businesses and physical assets into tokenized financial products.

The company's OpenWorld Enterprise combines financial structuring and blockchain infrastructure to aid in the development, issuance, and distribution of tokenized real-world assets for institutional investors. Established in 2023, OpenWorld has been instrumental in projects valued at over $66 billion in aggregate network and has supported more than 20 companies backed by prominent venture firms such as a16z, Multicoin Capital, Dragonfly, and Founders Fund.

VerifyMe, on the other hand, specializes in logistics for time and temperature-sensitive products, along with brand protection solutions. Maxim Group LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to OpenWorld, while Latham & Watkins LLP and Harter Secrest & Emery LLP represented the interests of OpenWorld and VerifyMe respectively in the merger process.