🎃 Investment tricks and treats

🔔 Your campaign updates feed

• Marion Surgical making waves- the company has pivoted to expand into STEM education, earning a feature in an STR article.

• Missed the Flower Turbines webinar last week? No worries, they have the recording for you. Their first-ever webinar in Canada, led by Founder & CEO Dr. Daniel Farb, showcased innovative wind turbine technology and the company's future plans. Watch the full presentation here.

• Catch the excitement from StartupTNT's Summit X, where The Fort Distillery had the chance to pitch and connect with an incredible community of angel investors—watch the pitch here!

• HOVR has been featured in The Globe and Mail! Check out the article to see how they’re revolutionizing the ridesharing industry and building a stronger community!

✍ What’s on our mind?

In the world of investing, there’s one theory that pops up every October like clockwork—and no, it’s not haunted earnings reports or ghostly GDP numbers. Enter the “Halloween Effect,” a theory that suggests that stock markets perform significantly better from Halloween through April, compared to the rest of the year. It’s an idea that has captured market watchers for over a century, yet, as with any good mystery, the question remains: is it trick, or is it treat?

The Halloween Effect has deep roots. Early observations noted that wealthy British investors would retreat to the countryside during summer, leading to lower market activity and volatility. When they returned in the fall, liquidity would rise, resulting in stronger market performance. This pattern continued, spreading to other markets and eventually inspiring the adage, “Sell in May and go away.”

Research backs up this oddball phenomenon. Historical data, such as studies by Sven Bouman and Ben Jacobsen, has shown that November-April returns are often higher across major global markets. The Dow Jones and S&P 500, for instance, have historically posted stronger gains in winter compared to summer. But the jury’s still out on why this pattern exists. Some say it’s investor behavior—vacation habits or holiday optimism, perhaps. Others wonder if it’s just statistical noise.

So, should we all sell in May and take summers off? Not so fast. While there’s a spooky allure to timing the market, seasoned investors know that a disciplined, long-term approach tends to outshine seasonal strategies. But if you’re tempted to believe in the Halloween Effect, remember: like any ghost story, it’s best enjoyed with a pinch of salt.

🌟 Founder Feature

Chris Brown | Stay Wyld Organics

💡 The pivotal moment: My journey started with high-risk sports, but a severe snowmobiling accident in 2017 left me with a major concussion. Struggling with brain fog, I tried various treatments but found little relief. A friend suggested Lion’s Mane mushrooms, and after a few weeks of taking them, I experienced significant improvement. This led me to grow my own mushrooms and eventually launch Stay Wild Organics to share their benefits.

🤝 On what “made in Canada” really means: I discovered that many functional mushroom products lacked transparency regarding sourcing and quality, with some made overseas without clear labeling. At Stay Wild, we prioritize quality by growing our mushrooms in Canada. This ensures our products are fresh, potent, and trustworthy, setting us apart in a crowded market.

🚀 On industry evolution: Since launching Stay Wild, the functional mushroom industry has grown significantly. Awareness of the health benefits of mushrooms has increased, and consumers are more discerning about product quality. This shift drives us to improve our practices and educate our customers, fostering a healthier lifestyle for many.

Want to hear more?
Spotify 

✍ Equity Crowdfunding 101

Equity crowdfunding has quickly risen as a powerful tool for startups to raise capital, yet myths about it persist, spooking potential investors and founders alike. Here’s a rundown of a few “frightful” misconceptions:

🎃 “It’s Only for Struggling Startups” — Not so! From Popsockets to Peloton, many thriving companies have turned to crowdfunding to grow while building communities of brand champions.

👻 “Crowdfunding Won’t Get You Serious Investors” — In fact, equity crowdfunding attracts everyone from everyday investors to seasoned angels. It’s democratizing investment without losing depth.

🍬 “It’s a Complicated and Expensive Process” — Think again! Today’s platforms offer streamlined, user-friendly tools that make it easier and more affordable than ever.

💀 “You Give Away Too Much Control” — Don’t fear a takeover! With tools like non-voting shares, founders can keep a firm grip on decision-making.

🦇 “Only Tech Startups Benefit” — Equity crowdfunding has room for every industry—from breweries to fashion, it’s a great fit for brands with strong stories.

This Halloween, don’t let myths about equity crowdfunding scare you away! Read our full breakdown to see how these myths get debunked—and find out more about equity crowdfunding.

🌟 FrontFundr Bulletin

🤔 Have you checked out our Elite Circle membership yet? From members-only perks like bonus shares, early access, and welcome swag to being a part of an exclusive community, the Elite Circle is levelling up your investment strategy. Learn more and join today!

🙏 It’s that time of year again, we’re looking for feedback! If you have five minutes, consider filling out our feedback form so we can ensure we’re bringing you exactly what you want in your equity crowdfunding journey.

⭐ And, if you’ve invested FrontFundr recently, consider sharing your experience on Trustpilot with us.