June Webinar: How Shareholder Communities Drive Unique Value

Enhancing Shareholder Engagement: Insights from Industry Experts

In this month’s webinar, our CMO Jon Stidd spoke to expert panelists from some of the biggest success stories in shareholder engagement: Richard Street, Head of Legal at BrewDog; Jeff Annison, co-founder and President of LegionM; and Matt Joanou, co-founder and CEO of Stakeholder Labs.

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Panelists shared their perspectives on the importance of shareholder engagement and the strategic advantages it offers. The conversation highlighted various methods and technologies that companies can leverage to foster stronger relationships with their shareholders.

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Key Takeaways

The Importance of Shareholder Engagement

Shareholder engagement is crucial for modern businesses. It not only helps in building a loyal investor base but also provides strategic advantages that can drive business growth. Engaged shareholders are more likely to reinvest, advocate for the company, and participate in corporate governance.

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Methods of Engagement

Several methods were discussed for engaging shareholders effectively:

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• Personalized Communications: Regular, personalized communications such as quarterly newsletters and video calls can keep shareholders informed and engaged.
• Shareholder Benefits Programs: Offering tangible benefits, such as discounts or exclusive products, can incentivize shareholders to remain loyal and active.
• Community-Building: Creating a sense of community among shareholders can turn them into brand advocates. This can be achieved through forums, social media groups, and direct engagement with company leaders.

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Case Studies

Stakeholder Labs

Matt Joanou, co-founder and CEO of Stakeholder Labs, emphasized the shift in demographics with millennial and Gen Z investors. These investors expect personalized, digital experiences similar to those they receive as customers. Stakeholder Labs provides tools to help publicly traded companies modernize their shareholder experience, including IR websites, shareholder benefits, and data analytics.

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BrewDog

Richard, General Counsel at BrewDog, shared insights on their "Equity for Punks" program. This initiative has been instrumental in BrewDog's growth, turning passionate customers into shareholders and brand advocates. The program has raised significant capital through crowdfunding and has driven community engagement by allowing shareholders to vote on business decisions, such as new bar locations and product offerings.

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LegionM

Jeff Anderson, co-founder of LegionM, discussed their unique approach as a fan-owned entertainment company. By leveraging equity crowdfunding, LegionM has built a large, engaged community of shareholders who support their projects. This community-driven model reduces financial risk and increases the chances of success for their entertainment ventures.

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Technological Advancements

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The role of technology in enhancing shareholder engagement was a key topic. Simple technologies like email and video calls are being adopted more widely for investor relations. Additionally, advancements in financial technologies and data analytics are enabling companies to have more direct and meaningful interactions with their shareholders.

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The Strategic Advantages of Building a Robust Shareholder Community

Engaged shareholders provide several strategic advantages, including:

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• Increased Loyalty and Reinvestment: Shareholders who feel connected to the company are more likely to reinvest and remain loyal.
• Advocacy and Marketing: Engaged shareholders can act as brand advocates, promoting the company and its products.
• Better Business Decisions: Companies can leverage shareholder insights to make informed business decisions, such as product development and market expansion.

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Conclusion

The discussion underscored the importance of shareholder engagement in today's business landscape. By leveraging personalized communications, community-building initiatives, and technological advancements, companies can foster stronger relationships with their shareholders, driving long-term growth and success.

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For more insights and detailed strategies on enhancing shareholder engagement, stay tuned for future discussions and updates from industry experts.