GenIP pursues SaaS model after cash flow-positive first half

GenIP has announced a strategic pivot towards becoming an AI-powered, platform-led consultancy as it seeks to accelerate revenue growth and market penetration.

An update on their strategy to become an AI-powered platform was announced alongside the company’s half-year results, which showed that its cash balance grew to $1,077k as of June 30, 2025, from $972k at the end of 2024.

The GenIP share price was broadly flat at the time of writing.

Having entered the second half of 2025 with an orderbook of $813k, GenIP has put the wheels in motion to transition away from its original project-based service model towards a scalable platform approach that promises highly desirable recurring revenues and improved margins through automation.

Central to the transformation is GenIP’s consolidation of its brands, bringing Invention Evaluator and its talent search offering, previously known as Vortechs, under a unified GenIP.ai platform. The Invention Evaluator brand will remain the flagship product, whilst Vortechs is being rebranded as GenIP Talent and Executive Search Services. The company has brought in new personnel to drive the recruitment business forward.

The company said the evolution to a platform-led model will enable it to generate recurring SaaS-style revenues from platform-delivered services, whilst expanding margins through automation.

All new product lines will be powered by the highly automated Invention Evaluator platform and workflow, with consulting services streamlined through internal dashboards that enable human consultants to focus on strategic oversight rather than routine analysis.

New product suite

To support its transition to a SaaS model, GenIP plans to launch several new high-margin products designed to deepen relationships with existing research organisation clients and create fresh channels into corporates.

‘Invention Prioritiser’ will systematically rank technology portfolios by criteria including technical merit, market potential, IP strength, and commercialisation readiness, while ‘Invention Validator’ will move beyond market sizing to design and run targeted questionnaires and stakeholder interviews that test user perception of products.

These are just two of eight new offerings GenIP says it plans to launch.

“GenIP is entering its next phase of growth as an AI-powered, platform-led consultancy. By unifying our brand and expanding our product suite, we are creating a high-growth model that turns one-off projects into long-term client relationships. This is about more than new services, it’s about embedding GenIP at the center of the commercialisation decision making process of research organizations and corporates,” said Melissa Cruz, CEO of GenIP.

“With the Invention Evaluator report as the trusted entry point, every new product line we launch is designed to build directly on that foundation. This correlation ensures continuity for clients while multiplying the value of each engagement.

“This evolution not only drives recurring, SaaS-style revenues and higher margins but also deepens our data advantage and strengthens GenIP’s long-term market position. It reflects our deliberate strategy to move from being a service provider to becoming the platform of choice for universities, corporates, and investors shaping the future of innovation.”

GenIP shares were trading at 21p in early trade on Tuesday.

Serica Energy expands North Sea assets with acquisition

Serica Energy has expanded its North Sea asset base through the acquisition of Prax Upstream, which will add approximately 11.0 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) to Serica’s reserves.

Serica Energy has agreed to acquire 100% of Prax Upstream Limited for an aggregate upfront consideration of $25.6 million. The transaction includes Prax Upstream’s existing purchase agreements with TotalEnergies and ONE-Dyas.

The acquisition comprises: a 40% operated interest in the Greater Laggan Area; a 10% interest in the Catcher Field; a 5.21% interest in the Golden Eagle Area Development; and a 100% interest in the Lancaster field.

Upon completion, Serica will receive an estimated $100 million in payments reflecting interim post-tax cashflows between economic dates and completion. The deal adds 11.0 mmboe of 2P reserves at an acquisition cost of $2.3/boe.

Completion is expected in Q4 2025, with the existing purchase agreements completing in Q1 2026.

“This transaction represents a further step in the delivery of our growth strategy – it diversifies our portfolio, increases our reserves and resources, and enhances near-term cashflows at an attractive valuation,” explained Chris Cox, Serica’s CEO.

“The addition of GLA brings Serica a new production hub, with operatorship of the Shetland Gas Plant. There is an immediate boost to production and reserves, plus the scope to create significant value for shareholders through multiple subsurface, commercial, and further M&A opportunities.

“This transaction illustrates Serica’s ability to move quickly, utilising our strong balance sheet and skill sets to make an acquisition with strategic potential on attractive terms.”

FTSE 100 on course for record high, GSK jumps on CEO appointment

The FTSE 100 jumped on Monday as investors reacted to encouraging US inflation data that suggested the Fed was on track to cut interest rates again before the end of the year.

London’s leading index was 0.5% higher at 9,336 at the time of writing and was set to close above the all-time record closing high of 9,321.

Last week, we explained that the FTSE 100 was in need of a catalyst to break out of a tight trading range that had begun to form between 9,200 – 9,260. Equity bulls will be delighted that a catalyst presented itself in the form of updated US PCE data on Friday.

“The FTSE 100 was firmly higher on Monday after the market took reassurance from Friday’s reading of US inflation,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

“The fact the PCE number – closely followed by the Federal Reserve when making interest rate decisions – came in bang in line with expectations helped create a positive mood on Wall Street which largely carried into trading in Asian markets overnight and, in turn, European shares this morning.”

UK stocks also received a welcome boost from resident pharma giants AstraZeneca and GSK on Monday. Indeed, Astra’s decision to remain a UK-listed company was grabbing headlines after the company announced it would list its shares in the US but keep its London listing.

“AstraZeneca is stepping onto Wall Street with a new US share listing, giving the company more visibility in the world’s largest healthcare market while keeping its London home,” said Lale Akoner, global market analyst.

“The move is aimed to attract a wider base of investors as Astra pursues strong growth over the next decade. By broadening its investor reach in the US, Astra is looking to secure the capital and visibility needed to fund its next wave of medicines and hit its long-term sales targets. 

“Importantly, this dual listing isn’t about shifting away from London but securing a truly global platform. Backed by a blockbuster cancer portfolio and a pipeline of promising new treatments, we think AstraZeneca is well positioned for steady earnings growth. With sights set on reaching $80bn in sales by 2030, the US listing strengthens its ability to deliver for both patients and shareholders.”

AstraZeneca shares were 1% higher at the time of writing.

GSK shares rose 2.9% after the group announced that Luke Miels will take over as CEO and will assume the task of securing a peer group-matching valuation for GSK, a goal that the outgoing CEO has failed to achieve during her tenure.

“A new group structure, thanks to a spin-off and several acquisitions, a clarified strategy, and much work on the company’s pipeline of new drugs have failed to galvanise the share price of GSK during Dame Emma Walmsley’s eight-plus years as chief executive. That means her successor, Luke Miels, will have much to do when he takes over on 1 January next year,” Russ Mould explained. 

Antofagasta was the FTSE 100’s top riser, surging 4%, as copper prices jumped on reports of undersupply and bullish price forecasts.

AIM movers: EnergyPathways confirms MESH recommendation and Spectra Systems downgrade

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EnergyPathways (LON: EPP) confirmed that the Secretary of State for Energy Security has directed that major elements of the MESH hybrid compressed air storage project should be treated as a development of national significance. The share price jumped a further 43.3% to 9.1p and it has quadrupled over five days.

Future Metals NL (LON: FME) has appointed Keith Bowes as chief executive. He has experience of projects in Zambia, Namibia, Australia and South America. The share price is 15.3% higher at 1.7p.

Rockfire Resources (LON: ROCK) has entered into a new farm-in agreement with Eastern Resources for the Marengo tenement in Queensland. This is a gold, silver and copper prospect. Eastern Resources will provide funding for three years. Rockfire Resources has the option to retain a 20% stake in the project. The company’s focus will the Molaoi zinc deposit in Greece. The share price increased 11.9% to 0.235p.

There were mixed interim results from syngas production technology developer Eqtec (LON: EQT), but the market appears to be concentrating on the positives. Revenues more than halved to €600,000, although the loss reduced to €2.1m. Eqtec will start generating maintenance revenues on a project in Greece in the fourth quarter. A project in Hawaii could receive a grant that would generate revenues of £1m. Idex is not proceeding with a project in France. There are other potential projects making progress. The share price recovered 9.29% to 0.4p.

FALLERS

A delay to the publication of the account of Trafalgar Property Group (LON: TRAF) means that trading in the shares will be suspended on 1 October. The share price dived 30% to 0.0175p.

Anti-counterfeit technology developer Spectra Systems Corporation (LON: SPSY) interim figures show strong growth, but expectations have been timed for 2026. Interim revenues rose 54% to $35m and pre-tax profit more than doubled from $6.3m to $14.3m. This was due to a major sensor contract. Net cash is $3.8m. Full year pre-tax profit expectations remain at $25.4m, but the 2026 figure has been cut from $15m to $9.8m because of delays to potential contracts and the reorganisation of the security printing business. Net cash could still be $22m at the end of 2026. The share price decreased 19.4% to 155.5p.

Technology investment company Tern (LON: TERN) is raising up to £642,000 at 0.5p/share via a one-for-five open offer, which closes on 14 October. There was cash in the bank of £150,000 at the end of August 2025 and exits from investments are difficult to secure at appropriate valuations. The additional cash will cover the costs of running the company and provide cash for additional investments. The share price fell by one-fifth to 0.5p.

Video editing technology developer Blackbird (LON: BIRD) reported a 17% dip in revenues to £577,000 because of the loss of a contract and the lack of boost from a one-off event. Contracted but unrecognised revenues are £1.51m. There are 697 paying customers. There was a cash outflow of £1.5m in the first half with £2.27m in cash at the end of June 2025 before a £2.1m fundraising. The full year loss is likely to be much lower than the £2.42m reported for 2024 thanks to tight cost management. The share price declined 19.6% to 1.85p.

Online food and health products retailer Huddled Group (LON: HUD) continued to grow strongly in the first half of 2025, but it is focusing on profitable business, which will slow the rate of growth in revenues in the second half. Interim revenue roe from £5.25m to £9.48m with a contribution from Boop Beauty which was not included last time. New chief executive Michael Ashley has reviewed the retail brands and put in place plans to improve their performance. Discount Dragon is improving its range of food and consumer goods and the benefits showed through in the third quarter with a one-fifth improvement in basket margin. Nutricircle continues to grow, and its efficiency will be helped by the group’s move to the THG Ingenuity fulfilment business. A full year loss of £3m is forecast, falling to £500,000 next year. The share price dipped 16.4% to 2.55p. The recent funding was at 3.2p.

Journeo: this group offers a long trip, big profits expected within the next year

A week ago, the shares of Journeo (LON:JNEO) were trading at 538p each – they are now 432p! 
I have followed the company for the last two and a half years, during which time its shares have almost quadrupled, and they still offer some real upside. 
So now is the time to jump in and take advantage of that price fall, especially if you, like me, can see the transport community technology services doing very well next year. 
Journeo competes by being an open technology provider combining extensive market and technical knowledge to offer market-leading, cost-effective solutions.&nbs...

Exploring The Best Spread Betting Platforms in the UK 

Spread betting is a popular speculative investment in the UK due to its tax advantages and flexibility. As a result, a lot of investors in this region would be looking to add it to their portfolio. If you’re one of these individuals and you’re exhausted from sorting through the endless supply of spread betting platforms, this article is for you. We’ve ranked the best list of UK spread betting platforms, and delivered an in-depth research on their major advantages.  

OANDA 

OANDA is a global multi-asset brokerage service that stands above the rest, and its spread betting platform has been popular among investors since 2015. It’s fully regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and past reviews have found the platform to be the best option for beginners and veteran traders alike. 

Because OANDA offers a dedicated spread betting sub-account for UK clients, users can spread bet on over 100 instruments, including major and minor pairs for foreign currencies, indices, commodities, and many more. This makes for an ideal diversification opportunity that can greatly boost profitability while also managing risks. At the same time, it has some of the lowest spreads of any broker, with 0.6–0.8 pips on average for popularly traded pairs like the EUR/USD. Reviews have also shown that beginners appreciate the platform because it allows very small minimum spreads from as low as 0.01 per pip in many instruments. 

Spread betting is already a flexible investment alternative, and features like these could further simplify the process and increase your chances of success. Some of the other major perks of this platform include: 

  • OANDA supports the best third-party platforms for spread betting, such as MT4 and TradingView 
  • Has a wide range of risk management features  
  • Easy to navigate 

Trade Nation 

Trade Nation is most popular for offering a clean, simple, and transparent spread betting experience. Some of the platform’s major strengths are its interface, fixed spreads that help users avoid surprises, zero minimum deposits, and decent execution speeds on its platforms. It’s an appropriate spread betting platform for most beginners, due to its easy interface and simple designs, but it might not be enough for most veterans. Its trading costs can be a little higher compared to other platforms. 

For the EUR/USD, the broker averages 1.10 pips, which is slightly higher than the industry average of 1.0 pips on variable spreads. It’s also important to note that, compared to bigger brokers, the product range is smaller for certain forex pairs and shares. 

FXCM 

FXCM is a long-standing name in the forex and spread betting market, with a solid toolkit and the best range of available markets. One thing that makes it truly stand out is its Active Trader platform, which was introduced to reduce costs for investors and offer competitive spreads in many major currency pairs. Its EUR/USD spread averages 0.9 pips, fluctuating between 0.9 and 1.2 on most trading days. However, it doesn’t always outperform niche brokers on cost in less liquid times, or for more exotic markets. At the same time, its minimum deposit and some spreads may be less favourable for very small traders.  

ActivTrades 

ActivTrades is another long-standing brokerage platform with years of experience in the industry. It has been operating for over twenty years in business. ActivTrades offers a strong range of markets, along with multiple platform options like MT4/MT5. Some of the platform’s major advantages are its great range of trading instruments and multiple trading platforms. In terms of spread, the range is a little far apart. On its EUR/USD pair, the spread averages 1.20 pips. However, on others, its minimum spread can be as low as 0.60 pips to the highest point at 1.40. One major downside here is that fees for deposits or withdrawals can add up fast.  

SpreadEX 

SpreadEX focuses on niche markets with a wide range of share CFDs and spread betting for UK clients. Because this is a major focus for the platform, it’s quite popular among UK investors. On the financial side, some of their pricing is competitive, especially for forex, indices, and certain spot positions. They offer a fairly large range of instruments, including options in commodities and stocks, but their spread costs aren’t always as tight during off-peak hours relative to niche brokers. However, you can still get spread costs as low as 0.6 pips for some major pairs like the EUR/USD. Withdrawals, deposits, and overnight financing costs are generally transparent.  

Choosing The Right Platform 

The options are limitless when it comes to spread betting platform options, given that it’s a highly traded asset in the UK. However, what differentiates them are these major features: spread cost, usability, access to third-party platforms, and trading fees. You’ll need to gauge which platform offers you the best of the features you prioritise most.

Petro Matad shares tick higher on production update

Petro Matad shares ticked higher after the Mongolia-focused energy firm released an update on operations and production at its wells.

The firm said its Heron-1 well continues to produce approximately 150 barrels of oil per day, with a stable water cut of around 3%. This rate isn’t a disaster, but it’s far from exciting as shares barely moved on the news.

However, the firm did say that the well’s pressure profile compares favourably with some of the better-producing wells in Block XIX, and no limiting faults or reservoir boundaries have been encountered to date.

Trucking and transfer operations at the Block XIX TA-1 facilities are running smoothly.

All in all, recent production will keep investors interested, but it’s far from fireworks for Petro Matad investors.

On the works programme front, construction has begun on a 1.2km overhead transmission line to connect Heron-1 to the national electricity grid, with completion expected by mid-October. This infrastructure work is targeted to deliver a 15% reduction in operating expenditure.

Meanwhile, the beam pump for Heron-2 is being refurbished ahead of installation, whilst the workover rig has mobilised to Gazelle-1. The production casing will be perforated across the oil-bearing zone before well test operations commence in early October, with completion anticipated within the same month.

“It is a very busy period for the Company at the moment. The focus in head office is on removing PetroChina’s withholding of revenue,” said Mike Buck, CEO of Petro Matad.

“We are encouraged by the recent progress on this and we are pushing to resolve the issue and to get paid in full. Meanwhile the team in the field continues to execute the 2025 work programme at multiple sites. I look forward to updating shareholders further as these matters progress.”

Regarding payments, the company received $110,000 net for July’s production in late September, with PetroChina withholding 30% of revenues. The August invoice remains overdue, though the buyer has indicated its new payment system issues have been resolved.

Secretary of State recognises EnergyPathways’ MESH Project as nationally significant

EnergyPathways plc has announced that the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Rt Hon Ed Miliband, has formally designated the major elements of the company’s MESH project as a development of national significance under the Planning Act 2008.

The recognition grants the project priority development authorisation status, reserved for initiatives of national importance in the energy sector.

It is also a major validation of EnergyPathways’ investment case.

“The Secretary of State’s decision is a landmark moment for EnergyPathways and for the UK’s energy transition. By granting the MESH project nationally significant status, the Government has recognised its potential to become a cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy future,” said Ben Clube, EnergyPathways’ CEO.

“MESH is designed to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the UK energy system today – the high cost of wasted wind power, heavy reliance on aging high emission and expensive gas power plants and ensuring reliable and secure energy supply in an uncertain geo-political world. With its significant storage capacity, flexible clean power, low-cost hydrogen and supporting new low-carbon industries, MESH can become a catalyst for investment and growth in the UK’s economy delivering long-term value not only to EnergyPathways’ shareholders, but also to Britain’s consumers.”

Located in the East Irish Sea and Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, the MESH project is positioned to support the Government’s Clean Power 2030, Net Zero and industrial growth targets.

The Secretary of State’s decision acknowledges the project’s key components: long-duration energy storage designed to capture wasted UK wind power; flexible low-carbon power capacity to stabilise the national grid; low-carbon hydrogen production at reduced costs; production of high-purity synthetic graphite and low-carbon ammonia; and large-scale gas storage to enhance energy security.

EnergyPathways is developing MESH in partnership with Siemens Energy, Wood plc, Costain plc, KBR Inc and Hazer Group. The company will now progress towards obtaining a Development Consent Order for the project.

Directors deals: Finseta buying after poor interims

Interim figures from cross-border payments services provider Finseta (LON: FIN) were disappointing and there has been director buying following their publication.

Chairman Gareth Edwards bought 30,000 shares at 16.08p each, chief executive James Hickman bought 50,000 shares at 16.05p each, finance director Judy Happe acquired 12,500 shares at 16.45p each and non-exec bought 25,000 shares at 15.46p each.

Shareholder David Ryan and family also increased their shareholding from 7.67% to 8.63%.

Business

Finseta is an international payment services provider that has developed its own technology, which helps to make it more efficient than rivals, even banks. This is a scalable platform, and the company is a full e-money institution authorised by the FCA.

The company facilitates cross border payments for small and medium sized businesses and high net worth individuals, but transactions do not go through its balance sheet. There are more than 1,100 active clients.

Customers delaying US dollar transactions due to foreign exchange volatility hampered progress. Revenues were 16% higher at £5.9m and gross margins declined from 65.7% to 62.7%. Operating costs increased due to expansion plans.

There are new offices in the UAE and Canada that have start-up losses. A corporate card has been launched.

Conclusion

The share price is still not much higher than when the share buying started. It has fallen to 15.5p, which is the lowest it has been for a long while, having had more than one year of upward momentum. 

Shore has downgraded its forecasts and expects a loss of £400,000 in 2025. Full year revenues are expected to be 11% ahead, but there are higher costs due to expansion. New offices will not make much of a contribution this year and will hold back profit.

A return to profit is anticipated in 2026, but that could be relatively modest. The following year a record pre-tax profit of £2.6m is forecast. Newer operations should be making a positive contribution. That would put the shares on five times earnings.

Given the recent downgrades, that 2027 figure will not be taken for granted. However, operational gearing means that an improvement in revenues will lead to a significant profit improvement as long as there are no more substantial increases in the cost base.

The shares are a long-term buy, but they will probably stay at the current level for a while.

AIM movers: EnergyPathways’ MESH nears approval

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EnergyPathways (LON: EPP) says that it remains focused on delivering the MESH hybrid compressed air storage project in the North Sea. Progress is being made towards final investment decision while outstanding approvals are awaited. The Secretary of State considers the proposals to be nationally significant and therefore it is a development for which consent is required.

Future Metals NL (LON: FME) reported a reduction in loss from $3.94m to $2.44m. The net cash outflow from operating activities was $2m.

Oracle Power (LON: ORCP) partner on the Northern Zone gold project in Australia, Riversgold, has requested a trading halt on the ASX. This is prior to a fundraising and there are discussions between the two companies and another firm to make progress with the project.

Ascent Resources (LON: AST) says the arbitration tribunal for its Energy Charter Treaty claim against the Republic of Slovenia has no further questions and it has to announce its award decision by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

FALLERS

WH Ireland (LON: WHI) has agreed the conditional disposal of its wealth management business to Aquis-quoted Oberon Investments (LON: OBE) for £1m, plus the assumption of contract liabilities. The business is loss making and there have been talks with other potential buyers. Assets under management declined to £1m. The group lost £1.9m on revenues of £13.2m last year. That is before an impairment charge of £6.1m and £900,000 of restructuring costs. WH Ireland will not have an operating business and plans to leave AIM if approved by shareholders. Cash was £3.3m at the end of August 2025. The company will be wound down.

Cyber security business Smarttech247 (LON: S247) is proposing to shareholders that it should leave AIM because it believes that will bring more flexibility in strategy. Full year revenues were ahead of expectations at €14.2m, three-quarters of which was recurring. Margins were lower than expected and there will be a loss in the year to July 2025.

Pharmacogenetic testing company Genedrive (LON: GDR) has raised £3.2m at 0.2p/share and there could be an additional £100,000 forthcoming. A retail offer of up to £300,000 has been launched and closes on 26 September. Each share comes with one warrant exercisable at 0.4p each. The cash will fund commercialisation of the company’s tests and a FDA 510(k) submission for a test that identifies stroke and cardiovascular patients unlikely to respond to medication early next year.  

Proteome Sciences (LON: PRM) reported a reduction in interim revenues from £2.22m to £1.86m due to lower reagent sales and royalties. Uncertainty in the US life sciences market has hit demand and this will continue into the second half.