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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

The Smarter Web Company: a meteoric rise captivates investors

​​A modest Guildford-based web design firm has seen its market cap surge from £3.7 million to nearly £1 billion since listing in April, driven by innovative capital strategies and Bitcoin holdings.​

Trading chart Source: Adobe images

Written by

Axel Rudolph FSTA

Axel Rudolph FSTA

Senior Technical Analyst

Article publication date:

Remarkable transformation from web design firm to market phenomenon

​In a remarkable turn of events, The Smarter Web Company, a modest web design firm based in Guildford in the United Kingdom, has surged to prominence in the financial world. 

​Since its listing on the Aquis Stock Exchange in April 2025, the company's market capitalisation has skyrocketed from £3.7 million to nearly £1 billion, surpassing established names like JD Wetherspoon and Aston Martin

​This extraordinary valuation increase represents one of the most dramatic corporate transformations in recent UK market history, with the company achieving a scale of market recognition typically reserved for major established businesses. 

​The speed and magnitude of this rise has attracted significant attention from both institutional and retail investors, drawn by the company's unconventional approach to corporate finance and treasury management. 

​The story highlights how innovative corporate strategies, particularly those involving emerging technologies and alternative financing mechanisms, can rapidly transform even modest businesses into market sensations. 

​Innovative capital strategy drives growth

​Central to this rapid ascent is the company's unconventional capital-raising approach. Through a subscription agreement with Shard Merchant Capital, The Smarter Web Company can issue up to 21 million new shares at daily-rebased minimum prices, retaining approximately 97% of the net proceeds.

​This strategy, reminiscent of "at-the-market" offerings in the US, is relatively novel in the UK and has allowed the company to capitalise on its soaring share price. The mechanism provides significant flexibility for raising capital as opportunities arise without the traditional constraints of fixed-price equity issues.

​The daily rebasing feature means that the company can continuously access capital markets at prevailing market prices, providing a dynamic funding mechanism that adapts to changing market conditions and investor sentiment.

​This innovative approach to equity financing demonstrates how smaller companies can access sophisticated capital market tools traditionally available only to larger corporations, potentially revolutionising how growth companies fund their expansion.

​Bitcoin treasury policy adds cryptocurrency dimension

​Adding to investor intrigue is the company's adoption of a Bitcoin Treasury Policy. Since 2023, The Smarter Web Company has been integrating Bitcoin into its financial strategy, accepting it as payment and holding it as a reserve asset.

​As of mid-June, the company reported holdings of 242.34 bitcoins, valued at approximately £18.8 million. This move aligns with a broader trend of companies exploring cryptocurrency as a hedge against traditional financial systems.

​The Bitcoin holdings represent a significant portion of the company's balance sheet value, creating direct exposure to cryptocurrency price movements that can significantly impact the company's overall valuation.

​This treasury strategy positions The Smarter Web Company as one of the early adopters of corporate Bitcoin adoption in the UK market, following examples set by companies like MicroStrategy in the United States.

​Strong investor enthusiasm drives market dynamics

​The company's bold strategies have not gone unnoticed, with a recent equity raise garnering £29.3 million, exceeding initial targets, with significant participation from institutional investors. Additionally, the firm's shares have become a favourite among retail investors, further fuelling demand and liquidity.

​The combination of institutional backing and retail investor enthusiasm has created a dynamic trading environment that has supported the dramatic valuation increase, though it also contributes to potential volatility.

​The success of the equity raise demonstrates market confidence in the company's strategy and management's execution capabilities, providing validation for the unconventional approach to corporate development.

​The broad investor participation across different categories suggests that the company's appeal extends beyond traditional technology investors to include those interested in alternative finance and cryptocurrency exposure.

​Market positioning and competitive dynamics

​The company's transformation from a traditional web design business to a diversified technology and cryptocurrency play represents a significant strategic pivot that has resonated with investors seeking exposure to emerging digital trends.

​While maintaining its core web design operations, the addition of cryptocurrency treasury management and innovative financing mechanisms has fundamentally altered the company's investment proposition and market positioning.

​The market capitalisation growth has placed The Smarter Web Company among significant UK listed companies, creating expectations for continued innovation and growth that management will need to meet.

​This rapid scaling presents both opportunities and challenges, as the company must now operate at a level of market scrutiny and expectation typically associated with much larger, more established businesses.

​Sustainability questions and risk considerations

​While The Smarter Web Company's meteoric rise has captivated the market, questions about sustainability remain. The company's valuation, heavily influenced by its Bitcoin holdings and innovative capital strategies, may be susceptible to volatility inherent in cryptocurrency markets.

​The direct correlation between Bitcoin prices and a significant portion of the company's balance sheet value creates inherent volatility that could result in substantial market capitalisation swings as cryptocurrency markets fluctuate.

​Investors considering exposure to The Smarter Web Company must carefully evaluate their tolerance for both equity market volatility and cryptocurrency price movements, as the two risk factors are now closely linked.

​The innovative financing mechanisms, while providing flexibility, also create complexity in valuation analysis and may make the company's share price more sensitive to changes in market sentiment or regulatory developments.

​The Smarter Web Company technical analysis

​The Smarter Web Company’s meteoric share price rise from its 25 April 2.90 pence opening price to its Friday 20 630.00p record high has been followed by a sharp drop to Tuesday’s 193.00p intraday low before closing at 360.00p on the day. Needless to say that the volatility – even on an intraday basis – of the company’s share price is extreme.

​The Smarter Web Company daily candlestick chart 

The Smarter Web Company daily candlestick chart Source: TradingView

​What is of interest to technical traders, though, is that Wednesday’s 241.25p low was made close to last Wednesday’s 18 June low at 237.00p, close to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the entire advance to date.

​Were this level and, more importantly, Tuesday’s low at 193.00p to give way on a daily chart closing basis, a decline all the way towards the May-to-June uptrend line at 132.44p may ensue. Together with the late May high at 110.00p it may act as support.

​Minor resistance is seen around 360p mark, made up of the 17 June high and the 24 June close. Above it potential minor resistance is seen between the 23 June low at 432.20p and the 444.60p 19 June high.

​Investment considerations and trading opportunities

​For investors considering The Smarter Web Company, the unique combination of traditional business operations, cryptocurrency exposure, and innovative financing creates both opportunities and risks that require careful evaluation.

  1. ​Research the company's business model, Bitcoin treasury policy, and innovative financing mechanisms to understand the investment proposition and associated risks.
  2. ​Consider your tolerance for both equity volatility and cryptocurrency price movements, as both factors significantly influence the company's valuation.
  3. Open an account with IG by visiting our website and completing the application process.
  4. ​Search for 'The Smarter Web Company' on our trading platform, noting that it trades on the Aquis Stock Exchange.
  5. ​Implement robust risk management given the high volatility and unique risk factors associated with this investment.

​Spread betting and CFD trading could provide flexible approaches for trading this volatile stock, allowing positions on both rising and falling prices while managing risk through guaranteed stops.

​For those with conviction about the company's innovative approach and long-term prospects, share dealing offers direct ownership, though investors should be prepared for significant volatility as the company navigates its rapid transformation.

​Nevertheless, the firm's unique approach and rapid growth continue to attract investor interest, positioning it as a notable player in the evolving intersection of traditional finance and digital assets. The company's story demonstrates how innovative corporate strategies can rapidly transform modest businesses into market phenomena, though the sustainability of such dramatic valuations remains to be tested over time.

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