Proactive - Interviews for investors

Sprintex Ltd (ASX:SIX) managing director and CEO Jay Upton talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company’s successful A$3.25 million capital raise, drawing strong backing from both existing shareholders and new institutional investors.

Upton said approximately A$1.5 million of the funds would go toward debt reduction, with the remaining A$1.75 million allocated to accelerating production and sales of Sprintex’s new range of high-speed electric compressors. These products aim to improve energy efficiency, offering “more than 50% energy savings versus the current benchmark products”.

He discussed the company’s strategic manufacturing expansion, highlighting the transition of its Malaysian facility to support electric compressor production—mirroring current operations in Suzhou, China. This move is designed to double manufacturing capacity, navigate global trade sensitivities, and better serve regional preferences.

Currently in the Netherlands, Upton also outlined a five-year partnership with Mest Water, a Dutch wastewater treatment firm focused on ammonia reduction in livestock manure—a project supported by the Dutch government. Sprintex will supply compressors for this initiative.

Looking ahead, Sprintex is set to exhibit at the Hannover International Trade Fair in Germany, where the company expects to attract significant attention for its clean air and vacuum solutions across industries like aquaculture, semiconductors, textiles, and agriculture.

For more interviews like this, visit Proactive’s YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like the video, subscribe, and enable notifications so you never miss an update.

#Sprintex #CleanTech #IndustrialCompressors #EnergyEfficiency #GreenTechnology #CapitalRaise #Manufacturing #DutchTech #HannoverFair #VacuumTechnology #AsiaManufacturing #SustainableIndustry #AmmoniaReduction #ElectricCompressors

Ecora Resources PLC (LSE:ECOR, TSX:ECOR, OTCQX:ECRAF) CEO Marc Bishop Lafleche takes Proactive's Stephen Gunnion through the company’s full-year 2024 financial results and the strategic progress made across its royalty portfolio.

Lafleche reported a strong performance in 2024 despite challenging market conditions, citing volume growth at Voisey’s Bay as a key highlight, even as cobalt prices approached 50-year lows. He said, “Since year-end, actually, it's amazing how quickly things can change,” pointing to a 60–70% year-to-date increase in cobalt prices.

Ecora’s focus remained on expanding its base metals exposure, with 80% of its portfolio now weighted toward critical minerals, particularly copper. The company emphasised that royalties offer long-term exposure, with copper making up 50% of its estimated net asset value.

Lafleche also detailed major portfolio drivers for 2025, including expected volume growth from Voisey’s Bay, Mantos Blancos, and the newly acquired Mimbula Copper Stream. Looking further ahead, he highlighted potential upside from de-bottlenecking and tailings processing projects at Mantos Blancos and progress at Santo Domingo, Phalaborwa, and Piauí.

For more updates on Ecora Resources and other companies in the critical minerals space, visit Proactive’s YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future content.

#EcoraResources #CriticalMinerals #RoyaltyInvesting #Copper #Cobalt #VoiseysBay #MantosBlancos #MiningNews #BaseMetals #ProactiveInvestors #Commodities #ElectricFuture #SustainableMining

Genflow Biosciences PLC CEO Dr Eric Leire talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about a pivotal new direction for the company as it initiates a clinical trial focused on improving aging in dogs.

Leire described the trial as a natural evolution from Genflow's previous success in mice, noting the commercial appeal of the canine market. “There is nothing to improve really the quality of life of our aging dogs,” he said, adding that the study meets a significant unmet need.

The trial will run for one year, with six months of treatment followed by six months of assessment. It's being managed by independent contract research organisation Syngene. Leire emphasised the scientific rigour of the trial, which is controlled, randomised and includes both aesthetic and biological endpoints. These include coat quality, mitochondrial function, and methylation clocks — all of which have potential crossover value for human applications.

Leire also highlighted the company’s differentiated approach compared to US competitors using repurposed drugs like metformin. Genflow, he said, is pursuing gene therapy with the potential for greater impact.

The investment supporting the trial, although limited in size, is seen as a strategic vote of confidence, bringing in credible investors from outside the UK, including the US. Leire described the initiative as a major step that could generate near-term revenue and redefine the company’s biotech positioning.

For more company updates, visit Proactive's YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell for future content.

#GenflowBiosciences #GeneTherapy #DogAging #BiotechInvestment #LongevityResearch #Mitochondria #PetHealth #ClinicalTrials #AgingDogs #BiotechNews

AFT Pharmaceuticals Ltd Managing Director Dr Hartley Atkinson talked with Proactive at the AIM's Small and Midcap Conference about the company's unique approach to drug development, its expanding global footprint, and what lies ahead in 2025.

AFT Pharmaceuticals is focused on creating pharmaceuticals "with a difference," targeting unmet needs and reducing reliance on opioids. “We don’t sell anything we don’t believe in,” said Dr Atkinson, highlighting the importance of alternatives to opioid treatments. One of the company’s key analgesic products helps avoid opioid use — a particularly timely innovation in light of the global opioid crisis.

Dr Atkinson discussed the company’s core markets, with a strong presence in New Zealand and Australia, generating approximately 150 million in revenue. AFT also maintains operations in Asia and now exports to around 80 countries.

The company has experienced sustained growth, having quadrupled in size over the past decade and doubled in the last five years. AFT has established six new affiliates across regions including Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, Canada, the UK, and Europe.

Looking ahead, the company plans several product launches across Australia and New Zealand and anticipates five drug launches in China — the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market. “For us, that’s going to be an interesting journey,” Atkinson added.

#AFTPharmaceuticals #OpioidAlternatives #PharmaceuticalInnovation #ChinaPharma #DrugDevelopment #HealthcareGrowth #ASXStocks #BiotechInvesting #GlobalHealthcare #PharmaExpansion

Actinogen Medical Ltd Managing Director and CEO Dr Stephen Gourlay talked with Proactive at the AIM's Small and Midcap conference about the company’s lead asset, Xanamem, and its development in Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Dr Gourlay explained that Xanamem is an oral, once-a-day drug designed to modulate cortisol levels in the brain without interfering with the body’s essential stress response. “We’ve also shown some positive data, you know, phase two and depression as well, which is very exciting because that validates its mechanism,” he said.

He outlined the commercial opportunity in both Alzheimer’s and depression. While depression is more prevalent, the Alzheimer's market offers larger potential revenue. He noted that current treatments either have side effects or provide only temporary cognitive improvement, whereas Xanamem could modify the disease course with a better safety profile.

Dr Gourlay discussed Actinogen’s recent momentum, including positive results in a depression trial, a number of peer-reviewed publications, and the upcoming interim analysis from its Alzheimer’s trial in Australia and the US. He said, “The upside from a positive Alzheimer’s trial is completely massive… a multi-billion dollar asset.”

The company is currently trading below the total investment into drug development, which Dr Gourlay described as a compelling investment case.

#Actinogen #Xanamem #AlzheimersResearch #DepressionTreatment #BiotechStocks #ClinicalTrials #Neuroscience #PharmaInnovation #ASX #ProactiveInvestors

Alpha HPA Ltd Managing Director Rob Williamson talked with Proactive at the AIM Small and Midcap conference about how the company is redefining aluminum purification through its novel solvent extraction technology.

Alpha HPA is producing high-purity aluminum materials for advanced industries such as semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, direct lithium extraction, and LED technologies. Williamson explained that while solvent extraction has been used in industries like copper and rare earths, Alpha HPA is the first to apply it to aluminum purification, allowing for significantly reduced energy input and improved sustainability.

Williamson said, “We can produce our materials at a 70% lower carbon footprint compared to incumbent manufacturers.” This aligns with growing global demand for cleaner technologies and supports the energy transition.

The company recently signed a letter of intent with a customer in the semiconductor market, targeting an alloy used in polishing silicon carbide wafers. The product is 50% more efficient than alternatives, and Williamson noted the Stage 2 facility, currently under construction, is expected to have 10,000 tonnes of annual capacity to meet rising demand.

With a compelling cost structure and an average sales price of around USD 25 per kilo versus a material input cost of approximately USD 500 per tonne, Alpha HPA believes it is well-positioned for strong margins and market growth.

#AlphaHPA #AluminumPurification #Semiconductors #GreenTechnology #EnergyTransition #HighPurityAluminum #CleanTech #BatteryMaterials #SustainableManufacturing #Stage2Facility

Saunders International Ltd Managing Director and CEO Mark Benson talked with Proactive at the AIM's Small and Midcap Conference about the company’s strong momentum, recent project wins and the strategic expansion into defense and infrastructure sectors.

Benson highlighted Saunders’ transformation from a tank constructor to a multi-disciplined, end-to-end engineering and construction provider. “We’ve diversified and become a multi-disciplined business… Now some of the projects we can do end-to-end,” he said, referencing the company’s work on the **Western Sydney Airport**, where it completed all elements from fuel tank construction to apron pipeline delivery.

He also noted Saunders’ acquisition strategy as a driver of growth, enabling delivery of complex infrastructure through internal capabilities. Notable acquisitions include piping, civil infrastructure, and automation companies, helping the company expand its offering and grow organically and through M&A.

Benson discussed the company’s extensive work in the defense sector, including the **Larrakeyah Defense Precinct** in Darwin, where Saunders handled the complete marine diesel infrastructure — from delivery to ship fueling — a capability he said sets the company apart. “Typically it’s done through 3 to 6 contractors. Now we can do that end to end.”

The company now sees a $2.3 billion pipeline of directly addressable opportunities, with up to $4.8 billion in total defense-related fuel infrastructure upgrades anticipated across the next decade. Saunders is actively tendering for $580 million of that.

Benson said Saunders’ unique value in defense projects includes not just technical delivery but risk reduction for government clients. “In defense, it’s not all about price. Sometimes price evaluation is only 30%. It’s about de-risking the project for the Commonwealth.”

Visit Proactive’s YouTube channel for more company interviews, and don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated.

#SaundersInternational #ASXStocks #InfrastructureDevelopment #DefenseContracts #WesternSydneyAirport #Larrakeyah #EngineeringProjects #FuelInfrastructure #MarkBenson #ASXConference #ProactiveInvestors #ConstructionNews #ProjectPipeline

SomnoMed CO-CEOs Amrita Blickstead and Karen Borg talked with Proactive about the company’s performance and opportunities in the global sleep apnea treatment market.

The company, which develops proprietary oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea, is seeing significant demand as patients seek alternatives to traditional CPAP therapy. “About 60% of people fail to be able to use actual CPAP therapy because it’s quite invasive,” Borg explained. SomnoMed’s devices offer a less intrusive solution and are distributed through dental channels in 28 countries, with strong uptake in the United States and Western Europe.

The co-CEOs discussed a major tailwind from the rising use of GLP-1 therapies for weight loss, which is pushing more patients to explore alternative sleep apnea treatments. Increased public awareness of sleep wellness through apps and consumer health trends is also fueling demand.

To meet this growth, Blickstead said their immediate focus was on ensuring “the right foundation for profitable growth.” This included strengthening the company’s financial base, reducing costs, paying down debt, and investing heavily in manufacturing. Production capacity has increased by over 40%, with revenue up 19% year-on-year and EBITDA for the first half reaching AUD 5.80 million, compared to a AUD 1.10 million loss previously.

Despite these gains, Blickstead noted they are still “chasing our tails and trying to make enough product to continue to grow this business.”

#SomnoMed #SleepApnea #OralAppliance #HealthcareInnovation #CPAPAlternative #GLP1 #SleepTech #MedicalDevices #HealthInvesting #ProactiveInvestors

BluGlass Head of Corporate and Investor Relations Stefanie Winwood talked with Proactive at the AIM's Small and Midcap Conference about the company’s work in gallium nitride (GaN) laser technology and its growing role in quantum sensing, computing, and defense applications.

Winwood explained that gallium nitride is a compound semiconductor that can conduct electrons significantly faster than traditional silicon. BluGlass is one of a few companies globally producing visible lasers using GaN, a technology that is crucial in precision applications such as post-GPS navigation and quantum computing.

“BluGlass is leading the market in the precision applications and these precision applications are the ones that are growing more rapidly,” Winwood said.

The company works with large clients such as the US Department of Defense and major semiconductor players like General Electric and Coherent. BluGlass has recently secured contracts worth USD 6 million and aims to build long-term, revenue-generating relationships through projects that can lead to multi-decade manufacturing deals.

In addition to commercial traction, BluGlass has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of industry veterans, including Nobel Laureate Shuji Nakamura. The company also recently demonstrated a world-record performance combining power and precision for quantum use cases.

#BluGlass #QuantumComputing #GaNtechnology #GalliumNitride #Semiconductors #QuantumSensing #DefenseTech #LaserTechnology #InvestorUpdates #TechInnovation

Cuscal Limited Managing Director Craig Kennedy talked with Proactive at AIM's Small and MIdcap conference about the company’s role in Australia's financial infrastructure and its recent financial performance for the first half of FY25.

Kennedy explained that Cuscal is one of only five organisations in Australia with the full suite of licensing, infrastructure, and capabilities required to offer end-to-end payment services—alongside the four major banks. The company serves a range of clients including other banks, corporates, and fintechs, as well as working with NAB’s UBank division. Kennedy emphasised Cuscal’s position as a “neutral, independent” access point to payment infrastructure.

On financial performance, Kennedy said Cuscal expects to “modestly exceed the forecast in the prospectus” issued at the time of its IPO in November. He noted that the business enjoys stable, predictable revenue and has completed significant investment in areas like real-time payments and operational upgrades. As a result, the company is beginning to see operational leverage.

Kennedy stated: “Mid to high single digit volume growth will translate to low double digit profit growth.” He said H1 FY25 results showed 7% volume growth and between 12% to 13% profit growth.

Reflecting on sector innovation, Kennedy described Cuscal as an "airport" enabling new players—like fintechs—to create and deliver new customer experiences on top of a stable infrastructure. He also said investors view the company as a “safe harbour,” appreciating its unique market position and stable growth outlook.

#Cuscal #ASXStocks #FintechAustralia #PaymentsInfrastructure #CraigKennedy #InvestorUpdates #RealTimePayments #ASXConference #FinancialServices #BankingInnovation