Insights from 15 interviews at the Ignite Investment Summit.
Here's what I learned from my conversations with ACG Metals and ADX Energy on the importance of getting visibility around your story.
I had a chance to interview 15+ public companies at the Ignite Partners Summit in Hong Kong last week. I’ll be sharing the full series over the next few weeks, but I wanted to highlight two conversations in particular that stuck with me.
One was with Artem Volynets, CEO of ACG Metals, the other with Ian Tchacos, Exec Chair of ADX Energy. Two different businesses, operating on different continents, but there was something remarkable about both of the stories they told.
And there is overlap with how Institutions talk about their portfolio stocks too.
Let's dive in.
The similarities between the two.
Both companies are profitable. Both are growing. And neither is getting the market attention they probably deserve.
ACG Metals is generating millions in free cash flow.
They’re about to scale up copper production which is a metal Artem believes is on the verge of a major price surge (I tend to agree - but no advice). He’s candid that they’re not looking to raise, but to attract investors who want to support for the long-term.
ADX Energy is building an oil and gas business in Australia.
With high energy prices, strong infrastructure, and a geopolitical shift back towards domestic supply, there’s plenty of tailwinds. When layered on top of very real, near-term projects, Ian believes there’s a lot of potential here.
Conviction before consensus.
Both are building in sectors where the long-term fundamentals are well-established but they feel the market hasn’t quite caught up.
They’re putting capital to work quietly. They’re not relying on hype, and they don’t need to raise to survive. They’re inviting investors along for the journey, not to rescue them.
It’s a pretty compelling pitch. Long-term value mixed with near-term momentum - if you know where to look.
In a market that’s been pretty short-sighted, especially in the past few weeks, it was refreshing to hear from operators who are backing themselves and their business, actively looking for shareholders who want to grow with them.
That being said, having a strong story only gets you so far if no one hears it.
It’s why visibility needs to be a focus, and it’s a lever both Artem and Ian are starting to pull. Interviews like these matter because storytelling, showing up, and engaging directly with investors, are all part of how companies close that gap.
How institutions talk about their stocks.
Last year, I was able to attend the Hearts & Minds conference where institutional investors present their best picks to other instos.
A great room to be in for me, because I got to see how investors actually talk to each other - what's important for them and what they pitch.
And these two talks nailed the same key points.
- Who is management?
Why do they matter and can we highlight any good changes. - What wave are they riding?
Where is it going and whether it's building or growing. - What are they seeing?
Is there something that others haven't caught onto yet?
Both Artem and Ian were able to do all three. We know who management is because they're on the screen. We know what wave they're riding long-term. And we hear why they're under-recognised for the results and opportunity.
Yes, they are on the promotional circuit, but aren't we all? The important thing is they have a good message well-delivered.
Have a listen for yourself.
I’d highly recommend watching both interviews because I’ve there’s far more in them than what I can summarise in a quick email.
Great conversation, a refresher on their companies, and just a great way to capture both their efforts on the ground - getting quality time in front of the market.
Have a listen, let me know what you think, and if you need some ideas on getting your story visible into the spotlight.
Cheers
Ben