The9 Obtained Strategic Investment from Fine Vision Game Fund

Rhea-AI Summary

The9 (Nasdaq: NCTY), an established Internet company, has announced a strategic private placement agreement with Fine Vision Fund, managed by Finewill Capital. Fine Vision Fund will invest $3.5 million in The9, with an initial $2.5 million upfront and a subsequent $1 million based on predefined conditions. The agreement involves issuing Class A ordinary shares to Fine Vision Fund at a 15.6% premium for the upfront investment and a 25% premium for the second installment, based on the average closing price over the previous thirty trading days. The issued shares will be subject to a statutory lock-up period. This investment aims to leverage the synergies between traditional and Web3 games, positioning The9 as a leader in this evolving market.

Positive

• The9 secured $3.5 million in strategic investment from Fine Vision Fund.
• Initial $2.5 million investment received upfront provides immediate capital infusion.
• The second $1 million installment is based on predefined conditions, ensuring ongoing commitment.
• Shares for the upfront investment issued at a 15.6% premium, reflecting investor confidence.
• Shares for the second installment issued at a 25% premium, indicating strong future potential.
• Investment aims to enhance The9's position in the integrated traditional and Web3 game market.
• Partnership with Fine Vision Fund, a reputable investment institution, adds credibility.
• Fine Vision Fund's track record in Web2 and Web3 games may boost The9's growth prospects.

Negative

• Second installment of the investment is contingent on meeting predefined conditions.
• Issuance of new shares could lead to shareholder dilution.
• Statutory lock-up period for shares may limit liquidity for investors.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The9 Limited's strategic investment deal with Fine Vision Fund is notable for several reasons. Firstly, the investment amount of $3.5 million may not be substantial in the grand scheme, but it's the terms of the agreement that are particularly interesting. The investment is split into two installments with the first tranche of $2.5 million and the second $1 million based on a pre-agreed condition. This conditional clause might imply performance criteria or milestones The9 must meet, which can motivate the company to leverage the capital efficiently.

Another important detail is the premium pricing on shares. The upfront investment has a 15.6% premium and the second installment a 25% premium, both based on the average closing price over thirty consecutive trading days. This indicates Fine Vision Fund's confidence in The9's future prospects, as they are willing to pay above the market price, recognizing potential upside. However, the statutory lock-up period suggests a medium to long-term commitment, potentially reducing immediate liquidity for Fine Vision Fund but stabilizing The9's shareholder base.

In summary, this deal financially strengthens The9 and reflects investor confidence, but retail investors should watch for the fulfillment of the pre-agreed conditions and how efficiently The9 utilizes this capital to drive growth.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, The9 Limited's engagement with Fine Vision Fund highlights a strategic move into the evolving landscape of Web3 gaming. The integration of traditional and Web3 games is still nascent, presenting both risks and opportunities. The market is characterized by its rapid innovation cycle and regulatory uncertainties, yet also by a potential for high returns given successful adoption.

Fine Vision Fund's track record in incubating Web2 and Web3 games adds a layer of credibility and strategic advantage to The9. This could facilitate knowledge transfer, access to networks and innovation capabilities, which are critical in a competitive market. The premium on share price agreed upon also underscores a positive outlook. However, retail investors need to be mindful that such markets can be volatile and the actual integration of Web3 elements could face technical and adoption hurdles.

Overall, this strategic investment situates The9 to potentially lead in a high-growth market, but it's essential to stay attuned to market dynamics and the execution capabilities of the company.

Tech Expert

The9's strategic investment from the Fine Vision Fund signals a significant move within the tech and gaming industry. The mention of integrating traditional and Web3 games is particularly noteworthy. Web3 games leverage decentralized technologies like blockchain, offering players ownership over in-game assets and fostering community-driven game development.

This integration is far from straightforward. It requires robust technological infrastructure and addressing user adoption challenges. Fine Vision Fund’s experience could be instrumental in navigating these complexities, aiding The9 in developing innovative game mechanics that merge the established Web2 gaming experiences with decentralized Web3 features. This hybrid approach could attract both traditional gamers and crypto enthusiasts, expanding their user base and creating new revenue streams.

For retail investors, it's important to recognize that while the potential is high, the integration of Web3 elements is still experimental. Successful execution in this domain can set The9 apart as a pioneer, but there are inherent risks related to technology adoption, regulatory changes and market acceptance.

SHANGHAI, May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The9 Limited (Nasdaq: NCTY) (the "Company"), an established Internet company, today announced that it agreed and signed a private placement agreement (the "Agreement") with Fine Vision Fund, established by Finewill Capital, an internationally renowned investment institution. The fund is dedicated to investing in global game projects and supporting the future of the game industry. Pursuant to the Agreement, Fine Vision Fund will invest US$3.5 million to the Company, with upfront investment of US$2.5 million and second installment of US$1 million which is based on a pre-agreed condition. The Company will issue Class A ordinary shares to Fine Vision Fund. The value of each share for the upfront investment equals to 15.6% premium on the average closing price over the thirty consecutive trading days prior to the signing of the Agreement. The value of each share for the second installment equals to 25% premium on the average closing price over the thirty consecutive trading days prior to the fulfillment of the pre-agreed condition. These shares to be issued are subject to the statutory lock-up period.

"The integration of traditional and Web3 games will generate explosive opportunities, while this combined industry is still in early stages. Through this strategic investment, we hope to grow with The9 into the leader in this innovative composite market." said Mr. Ronnie Li, Managing Partner of Fine Vision Fund.

"Fine Vision Fund has successfully incubated different Web2 and Web3 games worldwide. I am sure the strategic investment will be a good start of our cooperation and more and more global Web2/Web3 combined game cooperation will be coming." said Mr. George Lai, Director and CFO of the Company.

Safe Harbor Statement

This current report contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond The9's control. The9 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: The9's goal and strategies; The9's expansion plans; The9's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; The9's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; The9's expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with business partners it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in The9's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date hereof, and The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

The9 Limited
17 Floor,
No. 130, Wu Song Road,
Hong Kou District,
Shanghai 200080, PRC

About Fine Vision Fund

Fine Vision Fund was established in Singapore in 2022 by Finewill Capital, an internationally renowned investment institution. Fine Vision Fund is dedicated to investing in global game projects and supporting the future of the game industry. The first phase of the fund has a scale of tens of millions of US dollars. It has invested in different game development and distribution projects covering MMORPG, SRPG, Sports, Strategy simulation, and casual games, etc. The fund is enthusiastic about the innovative business model of games and the integration of traditional game development skills with cutting-edge blockchain technology. Through the creation of this international game fund, it aims to infuse new energy into the game and blockchain industry and foster its development and growth.

Fine Vision Fund employs an open operating model. The fund's contact detail and application channel are publicly accessible to game teams both domestically and internationally, without any strict restrictions on the game type or size. As the project progresses, the total investment will continue to grow. Beyond providing financial support to projects with great business potential, Fine Vision Fund will also offer knowledge sharing and overseas operating experience to game developers.

Fine Vision Fund remains positive about the long-term growth of game industry. It is leveraging its industry resources to support game teams worldwide and strengthening the bridge between the local and global game industries.

About The9 Limited

The9 Limited (The9) is an Internet company listed on Nasdaq in 2004. The9 aims to become a global diversified high-tech Internet company and is engaged in blockchain business including the operation of cryptocurrency mining. The9 is also stepping into AI application business in different industries.

Investor Relations Contact

Ms. Rebecca Cai
Investor Relations Specialist
The9 Limited
Tel: +86 (21) 6108-6080
Email: IR@corp.the9.com 

Website: www.the9.com

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SOURCE The9 Limited

FAQ

What is the recent strategic investment received by The9 ?

The9 received a $3.5 million strategic investment from Fine Vision Fund.

What is the significance of the $3.5 million investment in The9 ?

The investment aims to strengthen The9's position in the evolving traditional and Web3 game market.

What are the terms of the private placement agreement between The9 and Fine Vision Fund?

The agreement involves an upfront $2.5 million investment and a second $1 million installment, with shares issued at a 15.6% and 25% premium, respectively.

Will the investment from Fine Vision Fund lead to shareholder dilution for The9 ?

Yes, the issuance of new Class A ordinary shares to Fine Vision Fund may lead to shareholder dilution.

What premiums are associated with the share issuance in The9's recent investment deal?

Shares for the upfront investment carry a 15.6% premium, while shares for the second installment carry a 25% premium based on the average closing price over the previous thirty trading days.

What is the impact of the statutory lock-up period on The9's new shares?

The statutory lock-up period may limit the liquidity of the shares issued to Fine Vision Fund.