OpenWorld and VerifyMe have completed their business combination, establishing a publicly traded platform focused on real-world asset tokenization. The combined company will operate as OpenWorld, Inc., and its common stock is expected to begin trading on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol OPNW at market open on October 1, 2026. The transaction marks a strategic step toward bringing institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure to broader public markets.
Business Combination and Market Listing
The combined company will adopt the OpenWorld name and expects its NASDAQ listing to become active on October 1, 2026. OpenWorld also plans to pursue a dual listing on Figure OPEN, a blockchain-based trading platform, with that listing expected to be live by November 2026. This dual listing approach is designed to align the company with both traditional equity markets and digital asset market infrastructure.
Strategic Rationale
Adam Stedham, former Chief Executive Officer of VerifyMe, stated that the merger represents the clearest path to creating market value for shareholders. He noted that OpenWorld's real-world asset tokenization capabilities provide exposure to a significantly larger opportunity than VerifyMe could have pursued independently. The combination is intended to align the company with growing institutional demand for digital asset infrastructure.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Digital assets veteran Matthew Shaw will lead the combined company as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, while Russ McMeekin will serve as Group President. Shaw has co-founded multiple technology and crypto companies and has served as a director on several tier-1 token projects. McMeekin brings more than a decade of senior executive experience from Honeywell International, including leadership of its Internet and Advanced Software business.
Platform and Global Reach
OpenWorld builds infrastructure to bring real-world assets on-chain, converting the cash flows of operating businesses and physical assets into investable, transparent financial products. Through OpenWorld Enterprise, the company supports the development, issuance, and distribution of tokenized real-world assets for institutional investors. Since its founding in 2023, it has advised on projects representing over US$66 billion in aggregate network value and supported more than 20 companies backed by venture firms including a16z, Multicoin Capital, Dragonfly, and Founders Fund.
Advisory Support
Maxim Group LLC is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to OpenWorld. Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as counsel to OpenWorld, while Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is serving as counsel to VerifyMe. VerifyMe, previously traded on NASDAQ under VRME, brings specialized logistics capabilities for time and temperature-sensitive products, as well as brand protection and enhancement solutions, to the newly combined entity.
Future Outlook
The combined company expects to advance its tokenization platform while pursuing a dual listing on Figure OPEN by November 2026. Management views the public listing as a milestone toward making global markets more accessible and transparent for institutional investors. OpenWorld will continue to focus on enterprise blockchain initiatives across the Gulf, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia, alongside sovereign governments, institutional partners, and major enterprises.
The completion of the OpenWorld and VerifyMe business combination creates a publicly traded company positioned at the intersection of traditional capital markets and digital asset infrastructure. With experienced leadership, a growing global footprint, and planned dual listings, OpenWorld aims to accelerate the adoption of tokenized real-world assets. Investors and market participants will watch closely as the company begins trading under OPNW and works to deliver on its strategic objectives.