HOW VERTUS IS OPENING UP HIGH-PERFORMANCE TRADING TECHNOLOGY TO THE WORLD

About Vertus 

Vertus, was founded by three entrepreneurs from vastly different industries, whose combined perspectives, skills, and innovative thinking have shaped a distinctive approach that has caught the attention of global media, including CNBC and Forbes.  

While the company has enjoyed significant international exposure, its journey began with a local initiative – the Isle of Man Innovation Hub, a collaborative space where innovative ideas can be tested, refined, and guided through the regulatory process, helping new products and services come to market more quickly while maintaining high standards of compliance and consumer protection. 

Co-founders Alex Foster, Michal Prywata and Julius Franck-Oberaspach's journey began with a shared goal: to create technology that could put their own personal capital to work. 

They developed proprietary trading algorithms, powered by AI and machine learning, which produced strong returns. This kind of technology is normally only available to large institutional investors. Seeing this exclusivity as unfair, they made a bold decision to open access to these strategies through a licensing model with regulated third parties.  

The challenge 

The gap between institutional investors and the rest of the market is huge. Even the savviest retail investors have long been shut out from using high-performance trading technology. 

Vertus saw the opportunity to close that gap. The retail market was becoming more sophisticated, and technology was evolving faster than legacy players could keep up. By moving quickly, the team aimed to define how trading technology would be licensed, distributed, and scaled. 

The solution 

Vertus built a technology licensing model that allows retail access to its proprietary algorithms via regulated third parties. 

The Vertus team built and refined their technology while distribution partners handled compliance and regulatory requirements, supported by strong alignment and close collaboration with the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (FSA) through it’s Sandbox approach. The Authority works closely with key stakeholders, including the Isle of Man Government Department for Enterprise, the Digital Agency and the Finance Agency to respond to and support innovation in financial services. 

The extraordinary results: 

• Rapid market growth – within weeks of launch, Vertus had partnered with several of the largest tech companies in its niche. Their technology is widely used in the retail trading tech market, even if many end-users don’t realise it. 

• Impressive growth metrics – rapid traction from launch, reaching seven-figure ARR (annual recurring revenue) in its first month of going live. By the third month, that number had multiplied—firmly establishing a multiple seven-figure growth path within the first 90 days of exposing their technology to a wider audience. 

• Scalable business model – The B2B approach empowered B2C partners to invest in marketing, while Vertus focused on building innovative tech, hiring talent, and scaling globally. 

For the co-founders, all of whom had achieved success in other respective industries, this remains the most exciting venture yet. Notably, co-founder Michal had previously co-founded Phantom Space, a US-based space company with NASA contracts. 

Future plans 

Vertus stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when exceptional local talent meets a supportive business environment. With its roots firmly in the Isle of Man, the company has combined entrepreneurial vision with the backing of the Island’s Government, regulatory bodies, and innovation programmes to create a global success story. 

With proven technology and a strong foundation, Vertus is now set on scaling distribution worldwide, expanding jurisdictional coverage, and onboarding strategically aligned partners. This next chapter will see the company take its Isle of Man-born innovation to an even wider audience, further demonstrating the Island’s ability to nurture businesses with global impact. 

As Co-founder Alex puts it: "Perform with purpose, speak with clarity, and execute like the world is watching – because someday, it will be." 

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Digital Isle of Man does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee any of the companies, products, or services mentioned. Readers should conduct their own research and seek independent advice before making any business, financial, or investment decisions.