German Startups Group — German Startups market goes live

SGT German Private Equity (DB: SGF)

Last close As at 20/11/2024

1.22

0.01 (0.83%)

Market capitalisation

74m

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Research: Financials

German Startups Group — German Startups market goes live

German Startups Group (GSG) is transforming its business model to an asset manager and an online matchmaking platform for transactions in secondary shares in German start-ups and venture capital (VC) funds. This could potentially create value beyond its existing NAV. Meanwhile, we estimate that (after accounting for post-balance sheet events), GSG’s shares trade at a discount to NAV of 42%. The company opened its trading platform on schedule, with the next steps including the launch of the G|S Tech50 Fund and planned co-operation with SharesPost to open the US market to German investors.

Milosz Papst

Written by

Milosz Papst

Head of Content, Investment Trusts

Financials

German Startups Group

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Financials

19 November 2018

Price

€1.46

Market cap

€17m

Share price graph

Share details

Code

GSJ

Shares in issue

12.0m

Last reported net debt (€m) at 30 June 2018

7.5

Business description

German Startups Group is a Berlin-based venture capital company primarily focused on providing investment to tech businesses in German-speaking countries. With the launch of its secondary shares trading platform, the company started the transition to a wider business model, including market place. multiple companies across five focus industries.

Bull

NAV likely understated.

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Success of new business model may result in narrowing/closing the valuation gap to NAV and realising additional shareholder value.

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Listed exposure to a diversified portfolio of technology start-ups in Germany.

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Bear

Low liquidity.

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VC investments are inherently high risk.

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Potentially constrained by capital.

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Analyst

Milosz Papst

+44 (0) 20 3077 5700

EDISON QUICKVIEWS ARE NORMALLY ONE-OFF PUBLICATIONS WITH NO COMMITMENT TO WRITING ANY FOLLOW UP. QUICKVIEW NOTES USE CONSENSUS EARNINGS ESTIMATES.

German Startups Group (GSG) is transforming its business model to an asset manager and an online matchmaking platform for transactions in secondary shares in German start-ups and venture capital (VC) funds. This could potentially create value beyond its existing NAV. Meanwhile, we estimate that (after accounting for post-balance sheet events), GSG’s shares trade at a discount to NAV of 42%. The company opened its trading platform on schedule, with the next steps including the launch of the G|S Tech50 Fund and planned co-operation with SharesPost to open the US market to German investors.

German Startups market goes live

Valuation: Continues to trade at a discount to NAV

GSG’s current share price of €1.46 represents a 39% discount to NAV at end-June 2018 (based on the book value of equity ex-minorities). Taking into account events after the reporting period, the share buyback and revaluation gains, we estimate that the discount increased to 42%. Importantly, the discount may be understated, as the valuation of minority holdings is mostly based on historical transaction prices. In June and July GSG bought back 230k shares and intends to conduct further share repurchases in the future.

Transition to an asset manager and marketplace

On 19 June, the secondary shares trading platform G|S Market was launched, with the first transactions already concluded. The platform could contribute to GSG’s business development – as a source of stable cash flow derived from commissions, as well as a support to GSG’s own portfolio management activities. GSG plans to reach a number of available offers in excess of 50 by the end of 2018. Next steps in the development of the platform include the launch of the G|S Tech50 Fund and potential co-operation with SharesPost to open the US market to German investors.

Follow-on funding rounds trigger revaluations

GSG reported basic EPS of €0.14 in H118, which is equal to the total EPS in FY17. Taking into account the recent €3m convertible bonds issue, diluted EPS came in at €0.12. Investors will be able to convert bonds into GSG shares in 2023 at c €2.50 per share, ie 58% above the current share price. GSG did not exit any positions during H118 and results were mostly driven by revaluations of the key holdings in its portfolio (€2.7m vs €0.9m in H117). In total, during H118 GSG invested €3m in follow-on funding rounds and made an initial investment in Chrono24.

Historical financials

Year
end

Revenue
(€m)

PBT
(€m)

EPS
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/14

0.1

1.5

0.32

0.0

4.6

N/A

12/15

5.6

3.6

0.49

0.0

3.0

N/A

12/16

10.9

(5.4)

(0.29)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/17

9.6

1.8

0.14

0.0

10.4

N/A

Source: German Startups Group accounts

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2020 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison's solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are "wholesale clients" for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document.
A marketing communication under FCA rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research. Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a "personalised service" and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a "class service" provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited ("FTSE") (c) FTSE [2014]. "FTSE(r)" is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE's express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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