Increasingly, AIM companies are considering using the OTC Markets as a way of improving share liquidity and attracting US investors.
The OTCQB Venture Market is a level for small and early-stage companies. OTCQX is the premium level for international companies. This is a level where more serious investor interest is likely.
A US quotation is not suitable for all AIM companies. There needs to be a reason why a US investor will be interested. If a significant proportion of revenues comes from the US then it could be attractive.
Semiconductor designer and supplier EnSilica is one example where share trading volumes appear to have increased after joining OTCQX in April 2026.
ITM Power gets UK government funds
Electrolyser technology developer ITM Power will receive £86.5m in UK government funding for projects.
There is a £40m subscription at 55.56p/share via the government's GB Energy entity. That is a lower issue price than previous fundraisings. This will give it a 10.4% stake. There will also be a £46.5m grant from the UK government, which will be received quarterly over three years.
This will help to fund the £120m of capital investment in the Chronos electrolyser stack manufacturing line. This is more efficient than the Trident stack. The facility's capacity will be 1GW/year. Cash should be £211m at the end of April 2026 and £157.9m at the end of April 2027.
Hargreaves cash boost
Hargreaves Services will benefit from the latest fundraising by Tungsten West.
The fundraising will accelerate payments for services at the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in southwest England. Hargreaves Services sold the mine to Tungsten West in 2019. There are three outstanding payments of £1m each and when mining commences Hargreaves Services would be paid for mining services. Tungsten West is buying out this mining services contract for £7m.
The £3m payment will be brought forward and recognised in the current financial year, while the £7m termination fee will be a one-off profit.
