On 21 April 2026, Atkins told an industry audience that the SEC was "on the cusp" of releasing a framework that would allow tokenised securities to trade directly on blockchain networks for the first time under formal regulatory cover. For an industry that has operated in legal grey areas for years, that statement represents a significant shift in the regulatory weather.

For many years, UK startup founders have faced a persistent challenge: how to offer investors a clear exit strategy if their company never goes public. On 24 March 2026, the UK made a significant move to address this issue with the first trade completed under the PISCES framework. This new private share market opens fresh opportunities for founders, employees, and early investors to access liquidity without relying solely on an IPO.

For decades, early stage investing has operated within a relatively closed system. Founders raise capital from angel investors, venture funds or family offices. Shares are issued, the cap table grows, and investors typically wait years for a liquidity event such as the next raise, an acquisition or public listing. This model has produced remarkable companies and enormous value creation. Yet it also has well understood limitations. Access to early stage investment opportuni

Raising capital is one of the most critical challenges for startups. Founders face many choices, from traditional equity fundraising to newer token-based models. Each approach has unique benefits and risks. Understanding how equity fundraising, SAFEs, revenue-based financing, and tokenisation work can help founders build a funding strategy that fits their business goals and market realities.