The founder and coordinator of FinCon Group, as well as Director of Human Ecological Business Holding International Inc. in New York and Sirius Vision Ltd. in Dublin, Mario Eduard Giovanelli is your personal consultant for all investment and financing matters — and the responsible executive and operator overseeing the execution of all FinCon Group investment and financing transactions.

Mario Eduard Giovanelli is an internationally active visionary, mastermind, and entrepreneur, with extensive experience since 1984 in the fields of creative, alternative, sustainable, and human-ecological business projects, investment and finance, and as a business success power trainer & coach, inventor, author, and painter.

Over the course of his career, he has been involved — as initiator, intermediary, and lead coordinator — in numerous company formations, acquisitions, and financings across countries including Switzerland, Spain, the United States, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, Ukraine, and the Commonwealth of Dominica, among others. In many of these ventures, he has also held senior management roles.

As mentioned under About Us, his activities have included the formation, acquisition, financing, management, and sale of companies across a wide range of industries. (See also: “About Us”)

His Books

(Nicht mehr im Handel erhältlich)

In February 2022, his latest book was published by Tredition Verlag (Germany) under the title:
„Zum Blöken zu dämlich – Von den Dummheiten und Irrtümern Einzelner über die der Massen, bis hin zur Beherrschung des ‘Schach des Lebens’“
(“Too Dumb to Bleat – From the Foolishness and Errors of Individuals to Those of the Masses, and the Mastery of the ‘Chess of Life’”)
You can preview or order the book here >>

(Available only in German)

New books from his upcoming four-part series, “Grow Up, Be Free and Successful”, will be released sequentially — in both German and English — between November 2025 and January 2026.
(See the German titles on the German-language parallel page).

The FinCon Group provides companies – particularly SMEs and start-ups – with efficient, fast, and transparent access to urgently needed expansion or project capital through reverse mergers.

What Are Reverse Mergers?

A Reverse Merger (RM) – also known as a Reverse Takeover (RTO) or Backdoor Listing – allows a private company to become publicly listed in an extraordinarily short period of time, gaining access within just weeks to non-repayable, interest-free equity capital via the capital markets. The process involves significantly lower cost and complexity than traditional financing routes, such as a classic IPO (Initial Public Offering) or venture capital rounds.

In essence, a private company – often a growth-focused SME or start-up – merges with an existing publicly traded entity and thereby immediately attains public company status.

A reverse merger not only reduces bureaucracy, cost, and regulatory obligations but also opens the fastest possible route to expansion or start-up funding via the stock market. Reverse mergers are among the M&A transactions considered the “crown discipline” of investment banking and corporate finance.

For more in-depth details, please refer to our information page for capital-seeking companies: “Why Reverse Merger and How It Works.”

Process

When the management of an SME or the founders of a start-up contact us regarding reverse merger financing, we first evaluate the project’s suitability through an initial online meeting.
If the prerequisites are met – i.e., all required documentation (such as corporate records and a business plan) is available and management approves the process – both parties sign an individualized financing agreement.

The entire execution of the reverse merger is handled exclusively by FinCon Group: from contract signing, through selection and due diligence of a suitable public shell, legal structuring and negotiations with the sellers, to the final acquisition.

At completion, our investors receive the contractually guaranteed multiple of their invested capital – either in the form of transferable, publicly tradable shares or, if preferred, as an equivalent cash payout.

Costs of a Reverse Merger

Executing a reverse merger involves significant costs, including:

• Acquisition of majority ownership (typically at least 90%) in a high-quality publicly traded company (“public shell”).

• Due diligence and structuring costs for specialized law firms, auditors, and financial advisors.

• Regulatory expenses for filings, approvals, and listing adjustments with the exchange.

• Comprehensive marketing and communications efforts to position the new public company in the capital markets and ensure successful share placement – including collaboration with investment banks and broker-dealers.

• Working capital for strategic post-merger development to ensure market growth and meet institutional investor expectations.

• Reserve funds to cover unforeseen market or structural adjustments during the process.

These total costs far exceed what most SMEs or start-ups could provide from their own resources.
That’s where our participating investors come in – providing the full required capital without any upfront cost to the company.

This Is Your Opportunity

As an investor, you have the opportunity to participate in the financing of reverse mergers and benefit from this unique bridge-financing model.

Participation is available starting from a minimum investment of €5 million / USD 5 million.

According to the investment agreement and our general terms, your capital is always contributed at a substantial discount – typically around 90% below fair market value.

This means: after successful completion of the reverse merger, you receive freely tradable shares of the acquired public company at a multiple of your original investment – typically representing

a tenfold return (10x ROI).

If preferred, an equivalent cash payout can also be arranged.

Duration of a Reverse Merger Process

A suitable reverse merger can generally be completed within just a few weeks – ideally within about 30 days.

However, before the actual transaction (the acquisition of the public shell) takes place, several preparatory reviews are conducted:

• A suitable shell must be identified whose share volume significantly exceeds the capital required for expansion or start-up development – including adequate reserves – while maintaining majority voting and equity control.

• A comprehensive due diligence follows: tax authorities, credit bureaus, regulators, and courts are consulted to ensure the entity is free from debts or legacy liabilities.

• In parallel, our investors provide the capital for acquisition, structuring, and supporting marketing.

• The final phase includes negotiations with remaining shareholders, particularly regarding lock-up agreements to prevent immediate resale of remaining shares and ensure price stability.

• Finally, all acquisition contracts are executed and the transaction is formally closed.

Typically, only a few weeks pass between the initial investment and completion.
For transparency and integrity, our investment agreements state a maximum term of up to one year.

At the end, investors receive shares representing the multiple value of their original investment – typically 10x ROI – or, if preferred, a cash settlement.

Now Let’s Talk About Risk – and Why Traditional Market Risks Do Not Apply

All FinCon reverse merger transactions are conducted exclusively with verified, reputable companies – primarily SMEs and start-ups with sustainable, forward-looking expansion strategies. Business plans are carefully reviewed (or prepared by us if necessary), including in-depth market analysis.
Likewise, every potential shell company undergoes full due diligence to ensure the absence of debt, hidden liabilities, or compliance issues.

Your investment capital remains fully secured until final contract execution. Funds are released only after all reviews are completed, a clean public shell is selected, and all agreements – drafted by our legal teams – are duly executed.
Should a project fail to close under exceptional circumstances, your full investment is immediately returned.

The entire process – from capital allocation to transaction completion and delivery of freely tradable shares or the agreed cash payout – is carried out under FinCon’s direct control.
No third party ever gains access to your funds.

What makes this model truly exceptional: your return is not dependent on typical market factors such as company profits, sales performance, stock price fluctuations, or currency volatility.
Your profit is generated solely through the successful completion of the reverse merger, delivering the contractually guaranteed return – typically a tenfold increase (10x ROI).

Any theoretical residual risks would only exist under extreme, virtually impossible conditions – such as a global financial collapse or a total legal ban on mergers in the United States.
Likewise, misappropriation of funds is inconceivable: our companies consistently generate revenues and profits far exceeding the total sum of all investor capital.

Conclusion

Our Reverse Merger Bridge Financing program represents a highly profitable, short-term investment opportunity — without conventional market risks.

A Reverse Merger (RM) – also known as a Reverse IPO, Reverse Takeover (RTO), or Backdoor Listing – allows a company to become publicly listed extremely quickly, with significantly less complexity than a traditional Initial Public Offering (IPO) and far more efficiently than any form of venture capital financing, which typically involves endless investor pitches, lengthy negotiations, unrealistic equity demands, and numerous other hurdles.

The Reverse Merger: Your Fastest Route to the Stock Market

In a Reverse Merger, a private company merges with an already publicly traded entity to obtain stock market access. This process eliminates most bureaucratic obstacles, regulatory burdens, and the high costs associated with a traditional IPO. At the same time, it provides rapid access to expansion or start-up capital through the public markets.

In other words, a reverse merger is a mechanism in which a smaller private company (SME or start-up) takes control of a publicly listed company. Since public companies usually acquire private ones – and not the other way around – this process is termed a “reverse” merger.

The “Shell Company” – The Core Instrument of a Reverse Merger

In a reverse merger, the initiator (you) – guided and executed by FinCon Group – acquires a publicly listed U.S. corporation.
These listed entities, of which there are always many available, typically have little or no active business operations. Often, they were originally formed by specialized law firms or financial service providers specifically to serve as vehicles for reverse merger transactions.

Such entities are referred to as shell companies or public shells.

A public shell is therefore a company that has ceased active operations (or never had any) and primarily manages residual assets such as real estate or cash holdings. In certain cases, even companies that have emerged debt-free from bankruptcy proceedings can serve as shells.

These shells enable businesses to go public through a reverse merger and finance expansion or start-up growth directly via the capital markets—with no debt, no interest, and no repayment obligations. They represent a first-class, fast, and straightforward alternative to traditional financing such as bank loans (credit checks, debt obligations, interest) or venture capital/private equity (high dilution and investor control).

Reverse mergers are widely regarded in investment banking and corporate finance as the “crown discipline” of M&A transactions.

Companies with substantial capital needs in the multi-million-euro or U.S.-dollar range are ideal candidates for such a transaction.

How a Reverse Merger Works

A shell company typically exists when a business has ceased operations but retains its corporate registration and stock exchange listing. New entities can also be created explicitly for this purpose.

The process begins with the acquisition of a controlling interest in the shell company by the private business seeking to go public.
This is achieved through negotiated purchase agreements with existing shareholders or owners; in some cases, the transaction involves a stock exchange or share swap.

Once control is obtained, the new owners install their own management team and assume full control. The acquiring company’s assets and liabilities are then transferred into the public shell.
Typically, the process also includes a corporate name change, and, if needed, adjustments to the number or par value of outstanding shares (for example, a stock split or reclassification). These steps can also be finalized later as part of exchange approval procedures.

Key Characteristics, Advantages, and Considerations

Legally, the public company absorbs the private one, but control—particularly voting and equity majority—remains with you, the acquirer.

While a traditional IPO or venture financing round may take a year or more, a reverse merger can bring a private company public within 30 to 90 days.
The process is faster, less bureaucratic, and more predictable. A major advantage: no underwriting bank is required, removing one of the biggest barriers for start-ups. The listing itself is secure, whereas an IPO can fail at any time.

That said, certain factors require attention. Our role is to ensure that the shell company is completely free of debts, legal issues, or hidden liabilities.
Thanks to our long-term partnerships with specialized U.S. experts, our 35+ years of experience, and fully managed execution—without upfront costs to you, since our investors cover all expenses—you can rest assured that you’ll gain control of a clean, compliant public entity and be able to raise capital through the stock market with confidence.

The capital required for the acquisition of the majority stake is likewise fully funded by our investors as part of a structured bridge financing.

Occasionally, legacy shareholders may try to sell their remaining shares immediately after the merger, potentially putting pressure on the stock price. To prevent this, we establish contractually binding lock-up periods with all legacy shareholders and investors. These staggered holding periods ensure shares can only be sold in controlled tranches and at agreed intervals, maintaining price stability—for your benefit and for the investors.

Reverse Mergers for Startups – Facts, Opportunities, and Challenges

Today’s global economy continues to produce innovative ideas and start-ups, yet access to venture capital, angel investors, or crowdfunding remains limited, slow, and highly selective. This is where reverse mergers reemerge as a powerful and proven alternative.

A reverse merger – the acquisition of a publicly listed “shell” company – allows start-ups to avoid the cost and complexity of a traditional IPO, while still obtaining rapid access to non-repayable, interest-free funding and market visibility.

Key success factors:

• Absolute cleanliness of the selected shell (free from liabilities, tax risks, or legal complications).

• Execution only through experienced and reputable partners. The FinCon Group collaborates with specialized U.S. law firms, auditors, and broker-dealers and has a decades-long track record of success.

• Avoid “cheap shell” offers.
  The acquisition of a clean, qualified, publicly listed shell typically costs around USD 500,000 or more. Additional costs include professional fees (legal, audit, brokerage) and exchange-related filings.

• Marketing expenses are often significant – for positioning the new listed company and ensuring the successful sale of its shares. FinCon Group also assists with market strategy and business development post-merger.

• Liquidity reserves: We ensure sufficient liquidity for unexpected costs by allocating a standard total project budget of USD 5 million, entirely provided by our investors—without any upfront cost to you.

• Exchange venue: Many shells are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board; an uplist to NASDAQ or other senior exchanges is possible later, typically funded from post-listing proceeds.

Ongoing Costs & Responsibilities:
A publicly traded company incurs annual compliance and audit costs of up to USD 1 million. Its management carries heightened regulatory responsibility, and violations can have serious consequences. Continuous support from experienced partners like the FinCon Group ensures compliance and operational stability.

Summary

Reverse mergers offer start-ups and SMEs a strategic, fast, and efficient way to raise capital—without debt or repayment obligations—while gaining the benefits of a public company, such as:

• Employee stock options

• Using shares as acquisition currency

• Increased market credibility and visibility

A reverse merger is more than a financing tool—it’s a strategic transformation that elevates founders to the level of public-market leadership.

How quickly do you want to secure the capital you need—and position yourself as a true market leader?
The FinCon Group stands ready as your partner—with integrity, expertise, and speed.

Examples of Successful Reverse Mergers

Some of the most notable reverse mergers include:

• Armand Hammer’s integration into Occidental Petroleum

• Ted Turner’s merger with Rice Broadcasting, which later became Turner Broadcasting

• Muriel Siebert’s public listing of her brokerage firm through a merger with J. Michaels, a Brooklyn-based furniture company

Example 1 – Diginex
Hong Kong–based crypto company Diginex went public through a reverse merger with 8i Enterprises Acquisition Corp., achieving a successful NASDAQ listing.

Example 2 – Ted Turner & Rice Broadcasting
In 1970, Ted Turner merged his company with Rice Broadcasting, laying the foundation for Turner Broadcasting, later part of the Time Warner network.

Example 3 – Rodman & Renshaw / Roth Capital
Boutique investment firms Rodman & Renshaw and Roth Capital, together with U.S. investors, executed over 40 reverse mergers with U.S. shells – many in restructuring or pre-bankruptcy stages – mobilizing approximately USD 32 million in capital.

👉 Read more about additional well-known international reverse merger examples successfully executed >>

In Conclusion

A reverse merger offers an excellent opportunity for expansion or start-up financing without the burden and expense of traditional funding methods.

When executed by the FinCon Group, you benefit from top-tier quality, precision, and reliability – with all acquisition, structuring, and marketing costs fully covered by our investors, ensuring maximum efficiency and zero upfront risk.