DSE introduces V-Next, SME platforms

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Monday introduced the V-Next platform – an online space that matches investors with investment seekers – and their SME platform. 
 
While launching the two platforms at a hotel in Dhaka, DSE officials said small and medium enterprises (SME) too can now be listed with the stock market to secure more funds. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) initiated the link between the DSE and the V-Next platform. 

Dr M Khairul Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, attended the event as the chief guest. 
 
The SZSE and the DSE launched the Bangladesh window of the V-Next platform earlier in May this year, after signing a strategic agreement in 2018. 

"We are promoting it because local businesses and various investment funds, who are looking for access to international investments, will be benefitted from it," said Abdul Matin Patwari, managing director (in-charge) of the DSE. 

According to DSE, V-Next offers a complete investment ecosystem where prospective companies and collective investment schemes can upload their information and demand for capital or debt upon registration. 

Explaining the "complete ecosystem," Patwari said that an investment process includes due diligence, credentials and execution of deals. The platform includes relevant professionals and institutions to serve the investors and investees. 

There is no cost for registering on the V-Next platform.

However, there is a plan to introduce a DSE endorsement service for Bangladeshi investment seekers. In that case, the DSE may charge a fee for its service, said Patwari. 

V-Next hosts information presented in a standardized format, along with graphical and multimedia files, that makes it convenient for investors to screen for prospective companies. The platform also lets users conduct online road shows and live video conferences for business meetings and seminars. 

As an intelligent fund-project matching system, V-Next is able to analyse the data and match potential investors and investees. Information alerts are sent via the internet and mobile devices to notify relevant clients through an encrypted app. 

Both parties can utilise online network functions embedded in the platform for one-on-one communication, as well as basic functions such as data search.

Initiated in 2014 by the SZSE, V-Next now includes investors from 39 countries and regions who look for suitable companies, projects or funds and even debt securities on the platform. 

Already, over 12,000 qualified investors are included in the pool. A number of them are alternative investment funds tagged as venture capital, private equity and impact investment funds. 

Currently, the platform's success rate in match-making is around 20 percent.