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Blend Labs Announces Strategic Partnership with Haveli Investments, including $150 Million Investment

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Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE: BLND) announces a strategic partnership with Haveli Investments, involving a $150 million investment. Haveli purchased convertible preferred stock, with a zero percent coupon, to strengthen Blend's financial position and balance sheet. The investment will be used to repay existing credit and for general corporate purposes. Brian Sheth from Haveli will join Blend's Board. The partnership aims to drive innovation in financial services and deliver value for customers and shareholders.

Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE: BLND) annuncia una partnership strategica con Haveli Investments, che coinvolge un investimento di 150 milioni di dollari. Haveli ha acquistato azioni privilegiate convertibili, con un tasso di interesse zero, per rafforzare la posizione finanziaria e il bilancio di Blend. L'investimento sarà utilizzato per ripagare i crediti esistenti e per scopi aziendali generali. Brian Sheth di Haveli entrerà a far parte del Consiglio di Amministrazione di Blend. La partnership mira a promuovere l'innovazione nei servizi finanziari e a generare valore per clienti e azionisti.
Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE: BLND) anuncia una asociación estratégica con Haveli Investments, que implica una inversión de 150 millones de dólares. Haveli ha adquirido acciones preferentes convertibles con un cupón del cero por ciento, para fortalecer la posición financiera y el balance de Blend. La inversión se utilizará para pagar créditos existentes y para propósitos corporativos generales. Brian Sheth de Haveli se unirá al Consejo de Administración de Blend. La asociación tiene como objetivo impulsar la innovación en los servicios financieros y proporcionar valor para clientes y accionistas.
블렌드 랩스(BLEND LABS, Inc.) (NYSE: BLND)는 해블 인베스트먼트와의 전략적 파트너십을 발표하며, 1억 5천만 달러의 투자를 포함합니다. 해블은 이자율 0%의 전환 우선주를 구매하여 블렌드의 재무 상태와 잔액을 강화했습니다. 이 투자는 기존의 신용을 상환하고 일반 회사 용도로 사용될 예정입니다. 해블의 브라이언 셰스가 블렌드 이사회에 참여하게 됩니다. 이 파트너십은 금융 서비스의 혁신을 추진하고 고객 및 주주에게 가치를 제공하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE: BLND) annonce un partenariat stratégique avec Haveli Investments, incluant un investissement de 150 millions de dollars. Haveli a acheté des actions préférentielles convertibles avec un coupon à zéro pourcent, afin de renforcer la position financière et le bilan de Blend. L'investissement sera utilisé pour rembourser les crédits existants et à des fins corporatives générales. Brian Sheth de Haveli rejoindra le conseil d'administration de Blend. Le partenariat vise à stimuler l'innovation dans les services financiers et à apporter de la valeur aux clients et aux actionnaires.
Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE: BLND) gibt eine strategische Partnerschaft mit Haveli Investments bekannt, die eine Investition von 150 Millionen Dollar umfasst. Haveli hat wandelbare Vorzugsaktien mit einem Nullprozentsatz erworben, um die finanzielle Lage und die Bilanz von Blend zu stärken. Die Investition wird verwendet, um bestehende Kredite zurückzuzahlen und für allgemeine Unternehmenszwecke. Brian Sheth von Haveli wird dem Vorstand von Blend beitreten. Die Partnerschaft zielt darauf ab, Innovationen im Finanzdienstleistungssektor voranzutreiben und Wert für Kunden und Aktionäre zu schaffen.
Positive
  • Strategic partnership with Haveli Investments boosts Blend's financial position and balance sheet for long-term growth and value creation.

  • Investment of $150 million in convertible preferred stock strengthens Blend's financial outlook and ability to innovate in the financial services space.

  • Partnership with Haveli reflects confidence in Blend's growth strategy and commitment to transforming financial services for customers and shareholders.

Negative
  • Potential dilution of shares due to the issuance of convertible preferred stock may impact existing shareholders.

  • Terms of the investment, such as the convertibility of the preferred stock into common stock, may lead to fluctuations in Blend's market capitalization.

Insights

The $150 million investment in Blend Labs by Haveli Investments serves as a bolster to Blend's liquidity and balance sheet. The fact that the funds will be used to repay existing debt is a fiscally prudent move, potentially reducing interest expenses and improving financial ratios. The transaction's structure with convertible preferred stock presents future dilution for current shareholders upon conversion but offers the company a cash influx without immediate dilution. A key point for investors is the conversion price, which is set at a premium to the recent closing price, indicating Haveli's confidence in Blend's future performance. However, investors should be aware that such strategic partnerships and investments can sometimes add complexity to corporate governance and future capital structure, especially with the addition of Brian Sheth to Blend's Board.

Blend Labs' partnership with a technology-focused private equity firm is noteworthy as it may signal a strategic shift and embolden the company's market position in cloud banking services. The firm is likely to be viewed positively by the market due to the enhanced financial stability and the backing of a reputable private equity firm. An increase in the company's stock price could be expected in the short term as the market reacts to this show of confidence. Nonetheless, the long-term success of this partnership depends on Blend's ability to innovate and penetrate the market further with its platform. Current and prospective investors should watch for how Blend leverages this partnership to accelerate growth and whether it results in an expanded customer base and improved revenue streams.

Brian Sheth, Haveli’s Chief Investment Officer, to Join Blend’s Board

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE: BLND), (“Blend” or the “Company”), a leading provider of cloud banking services, and Haveli Investments (“Haveli”), a technology-focused private equity firm, today announced a $150 million investment in the Company by Haveli Investments in the form of convertible preferred stock with a zero percent coupon. Blend will use approximately $145 million of the proceeds to repay all amounts payable under its existing credit agreement, and the remainder for general corporate purposes. This investment further strengthens Blend’s financial position and balance sheet for long-term growth and value creation.

“This partnership with Haveli reflects confidence in Blend’s continued journey to transform financial services and is an important show of faith in our growth strategy,” said Nima Ghamsari, Co-founder and Head of Blend. “We look forward to working with Haveli to advance our goal of driving innovation in the space and delivering lasting value for our customers and shareholders.”

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Blend, a market leader in both Mortgage and Consumer Banking software for banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions,” said Brian Sheth, Chief Investment Officer of Haveli Investments. “We have known the Blend team for several years and have been impressed with their innovation and vision. With a blue-chip customer base and an improved balance sheet, we believe Blend is well positioned to succeed with its modern, next-gen platform. We’re excited to start this partnership, and we believe that we can work together with Blend to increase long-term value for all shareholders, customers, employees, and other key stakeholders.”

In connection with the investment, Mr. Sheth will join Blend’s Board of Directors.

Investment Terms

Haveli Investments purchased $150 million of Series A convertible preferred stock. The Series A preferred stock will be convertible into shares of Blend’s Class A common stock at an initial conversion price of $3.25 per share, representing a 31% premium to the closing price on April 26, 2024 and a 13% premium to the volume-weighted average closing price over the 30-day period ending on the same date.

The preferred stock can be converted into Class A common stock at any time. Further, Haveli may require the Company to repurchase the preferred stock after five years and Blend may redeem the preferred stock after seven years.

Blend issued Haveli a warrant to purchase approximately 11 million shares of Class A common stock, at a purchase price of $4.50 per share, representing an 81% premium to the closing price of April 26, 2024 and a 57% premium to the volume-weighted average closing price over the 30-day period ending on the same date. The warrant represents a total consideration of up to $50 million and is exercisable for a period of 24 months.

Webcast Information

On Monday, April 29, 2024 at 6:00 pm ET, Blend will host a live webcast to provide more information on this investment. A link to the discussion will be made available on the Company's investor relations website at https://investor.blend.com. A replay will also be made available following the discussion at the same website.

In addition, the Company will host an earnings conference call on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 4:30 pm ET to discuss its first quarter 2024 financial results. A link to the live discussion will be made available at https://investor.blend.com.

Advisors

Financial Technology Partners (FT Partners) served as financial and strategic advisor to Blend. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. served as legal advisor to Blend.

Jefferies LLC served as financial advisor to Haveli. Bailey Duquette P.C. served as legal advisor to Haveli.

About Blend

Blend (NYSE:BLND) is the infrastructure powering the future of banking. Financial providers—from large banks, fintechs, and credit unions to community and independent mortgage banks—use Blend’s platform to transform banking experiences for their customers. Blend powers billions of dollars in financial transactions every day. To learn more, visit blend.com.

About Haveli Investments

Haveli Investments is an Austin-based private equity firm that seeks to invest in the highest quality companies in the technology sector through control, minority or structured equity and debt investments with a focus on software, data, gaming and adjacent industries. The firm partners with innovative companies, entrepreneurs and management teams throughout a company’s life cycle. Haveli’s experienced team of investors and diverse industry experts will provide operational and strategic support, enabling portfolio companies to focus on driving innovation and increasing growth, scale and operating margins. Underscoring Haveli’s investments is an unwavering focus on DEI and sustainability. For more information, please visit www.haveliinvestments.com, or follow Haveli on LinkedIn, @Haveli Investments.

Haveli, Haveli Investments, the Haveli logos and related names are registered trademarks or service marks of Whanau Interests LLC. All rights reserved.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, quotations of management and others; Blend’s expectations regarding its financial condition and operating performance, including growth opportunities and plans for future operations and competitive position; Blend’s products, pipeline, and technologies; Blend’s strategies for growth; the impact of the Haveli investment on Blend’s financial position; Blend’s ability to create long-term shareholder value; and Blend’s expectations for changes in revenue, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “would,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology that concern Blend’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all.

Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith beliefs and assumptions as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that: changes in economic conditions, such as mortgage interest rates, credit availability, real estate prices, inflation or consumer confidence, adversely affect our industry, markets and business, we fail to retain our existing customers or to acquire new customers in a cost-effective manner; our customers fail to maintain their utilization of our products and services; our relationships with any of our key customers were to be terminated or the level of business with them significantly reduced over time; we are unable to compete in highly competitive markets; we are unable to manage our growth; we are unable to make accurate predictions about our future performance due to our limited operating history in an evolving industry and evolving markets; we are unable to successfully integrate or realize the benefits of our acquisition of Title365; our restructuring actions do not result in the desired outcomes or adversely affect our business, impairment charges on certain assets have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations; Blend’s expectations regarding the investment and its impact do not materialize; we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows or otherwise maintain sufficient liquidity to fund our operations and satisfy our liabilities. Further information on these risks and other factors that could affect our financial results are set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Blend does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

Blend Contacts:



Investor Relations

ir@blend.com



Media

press@blend.com



Haveli Investments Contacts:



Investor Relations

Caroline Bal Doherty

Haveli Investments

SVP of Capital Partnerships

cdoherty@havelii.com



Media

Hugh Burns/Pamela Greene

Reevemark

(212) 433-4600

HaveliTeam@Reevemark.com

Source: Blend

FAQ

What is the amount of the investment by Haveli Investments in Blend Labs?

Haveli Investments invested $150 million in Blend Labs.

Who will join Blend's Board as part of the partnership with Haveli Investments?

Brian Sheth, Haveli's Chief Investment Officer, will join Blend's Board of Directors.

When will Blend host a live webcast to provide more information on the investment?

Blend will host a live webcast on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 6:00 pm ET to discuss the investment.

What price per share does the Series A preferred stock convert into Blend's Class A common stock?

The Series A preferred stock converts into Blend's Class A common stock at an initial price of $3.25 per share.

Who served as financial and strategic advisor to Blend in the partnership with Haveli Investments?

Financial Technology Partners (FT Partners) served as financial and strategic advisor to Blend.

Blend Labs, Inc.

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