As the FTSE 100 pushed into record territory, investor interest in small-cap stocks appeared to fade.
The AIM All-Share index dropped 2.5% to 757.21, erasing all gains made in July. Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 fell 64 points on Friday, down 0.7% to close at 9,068 — its lowest level since 23 July and a retreat from the all-time highs reached just the day before.
Risers
The standout performer of the week was Empresaria Group plc (AIM: EMR), which surged 84% after announcing a 62p-per-share indicative offer, valuing the recruitment firm at just over £33 million. Despite the sharp rise, the stock remains 20p below the offer price.
Vaultz Capital (AQSE: V3TC) rose 32.4% to 11.25p after raising £2 million at 7.75p per share, with an additional £4.275 million secured through subscriptions, including participation from Aura Digital, a crypto asset management firm. Notably, broker fees are being settled in shares, and further fundraisings are planned. The company also announced the appointment of Erik Benz as its new CEO.
Arkle Resources PLC (AIM: ARK) also had a strong week, climbing 22% following news of a £500,000 investment through a share issue priced well above the current market rate — a notable achievement for CEO John Teeling and his team.
Lift Global Ventures (AQSE: LFT) saw its share price climb 22.2% to 0.55p following news of a strategic pivot toward AI investments. The firm is in advanced discussions with a potential investee and has strengthened its board with the appointments of WANdisco co-founder David Richards and Mark Horrocks. Additionally, the loan redemption date to Trans-Africa Energy has been extended to October 2025.
Coinsilium (AQSE: COIN) reported holdings of 124.4239 Bitcoin, acquired at a total cost of £10.9 million, with an average purchase price of £82,230.26 per Bitcoin. Following the update, the share price rose 11.5% to 7.25p, reflecting renewed investor interest in the company’s crypto exposure.
Fallers
Versarien PLC (AIM:VRS, OTC:VRSRF), the graphene specialist, suffered a bruising 48% drop, making it a week to forget for shareholders. The slump followed news that the company had failed to secure a buyer for one of its businesses, which will now be placed into administration.
With a short funding runway, Versarien has entered cash preservation mode as it urgently seeks significant external investment—a precarious position that triggered the steep decline in its share price.
The year-to-date share price chart of Metals One PLC (AIM:MET1) resembles the jagged silhouette of the Alps—marked by towering climbs followed by sharp, unforgiving descents. This week, the ascent gear was swapped for abseiling ropes, as the stock plunged nearly 40%, adding another dramatic drop to an already volatile performance.
Cambridge Cognition Holdings PLC (AIM:COG) shed nearly 25% of its market value this week, despite what analysts described as only a “slightly light” performance.
The brain health technology specialist reported £6.9 million in new sales orders for the six months to 30 June. Meanwhile, its order book grew to £16.4 million, up from £13.6 million at the end of 2024—figures that, while positive, weren’t enough to reassure investors.
Vault Ventures (AQSE: VULT) announced plans to acquire Kingbridge Capital in an all-share deal priced at 0.0225p per share—a substantial premium to the current market price. The acquisition aims to strengthen the company’s capabilities in execution and custody of crypto assets, and includes £375,000 worth of Ethereum and cash as part of the transaction.
Despite the premium valuation, the market reacted cautiously, with Vault Ventures’ share price falling 9.38% to 0.0145p.
The Smarter Web Company (AQSE: SWC) has secured an additional £19.7 million through a share placing at 325p per share, with 7.94 million shares still to be placed. The company holds 2,050 Bitcoin, acquired at a total cost of £166.8 million.
Despite the capital raise, the share price slipped 2.3% to 212.5p, reflecting market caution amid the significant discount to the placing price and the overhang of remaining shares yet to be issued.
