The Water Tower Hour

Send a textIn this episode of the WTR Healthcare Happenings podcast, Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair, Co-Founder, and CMO of Water Tower Research, and Robert Sassoon, WTR's Healthcare Research Analyst, speak with Rick Pierce, CEO of Decoy Therapeutics (NASDAQ: DCOY). The conversation explores Decoy's innovative business model for developing peptide‑conjugate antivirals designed to target multiple respiratory viruses. Pierce explains how Decoy is navigating the modern era of drug development with a cost‑effective, highly efficient strategy that positions the company as a disruptive force in biotech. Central to this approach is Decoy' proprietary peptide‑synthesis technology and rapid design‑build‑test cycle, powered by machine learning. He also underscores the importance of Decoy's strategic partnerships with the Gates Foundation, Google, and NVIDIA in advancing its platform and accelerating development.

Send a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Peter Flippo, Director, Business Development, at Avantium R&D Solutions (Euronext Amsterdam: AVTX-NL) (US OTC: AVTXF), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research.  Avantium is a technology company founded in 2000 as a Shell spin-out, specializing in innovative chemical solutions. It operates two main segments: Renewable Polymers, which develops sustainable plastics, and R&D Solutions (RDS), which provides high-throughput catalyst testing systems and services for clients worldwide—including oil & gas firms, refineries, and research institutions. Flippo discusses how Avantium's Flowrence technology significantly accelerates R&D timelines from years to months, offering reliable, scalable, and cost-effective testing. He shared how the company is positioned as a valuable partner in the high-growth sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry by optimizing catalytic processes and enabling the use of multiple SAF production pathways.

Send a textJoin Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Peter Gastreich, Senior Energy Transition and Sustainability Analyst, as they break down WTR's latest deep-dive report on Gevo including financial forecasts. Gevo is a leading renewable fuels and chemicals company focused on producing low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, including low-carbon ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and renewable natural gas. Its integrated carbon strategy features biogenic CO₂ capture and permanent storage, digital carbon tracking via the Verity platform, and modular Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology. The North Dakota Red Trail acquisition added a profitable ethanol plant, a large and scalable carbon capture system, and prime location for ATJ (SAF) expansion. In the longer-term, third-party CCS and ATJ-30 technology sales are significant drivers. 

Send a textIn this episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and technology analyst James Kisner are joined by Harrison Gross, CEO of Innovative Eyewear (NASDAQ: LUCY). The company develops smart eyewear—including prescription, safety, and sport glasses—and introduced the world's first smart glasses powered by ChatGPT. Gross explains how voice-based AI has transformed smart glasses from a Bluetooth audio accessory into an always-on AI interface, creating a natural upgrade path for the billion-person eyeglass-wearing population. The conversation covers 65% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, led by the breakout ANSI-certified Lucid Armour smart safety glass, a competitive moat built on ~110 patents and a cross-disciplinary team with talent from Bose and Luxottica, and how the company's focus on wearability and prescription readiness differentiates it from Meta's camera-centric approach. Looking ahead, Gross identifies retail distribution as the primary 2026 growth lever, with big-box retailer discussions underway and a new white-label business unit in development. 

Send a textIn this episode of WTRSmall-Cap Spotlight, Patrick Horsman Chief Investment Officer and Josh Kruger Founder of BNB Plus (Nasdaq ticker symbol BNBX), joins host Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair, Co-Founder, and CMO of Water Tower Research, along with Dr. John Roy, WTR's Technology Research Analyst. The conversation explores the digital asset treasury company and its focuse on the Binance ecosystem and its native BNB token. The team explains that they chose BNB for its unique status as a deflationary asset tied to the world's largest crypto exchange, offering investors indirect exposure to Binance's earnings through token burns and "launch pool" air drops. Utilizing their hedge fund backgrounds, the leadership employs four non-directional yield strategies—including staking and automated market making—to target a 9% to 12% annual return for shareholders while mitigating downside risk.

Send a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Corrado De Gasperis, Chief Executive Officer of Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research. De Gasperis discusses Comstock's high-volume, zero‑landfill solar panel recycling platform, which recovers 100% of panel materials, including significant amounts of silver, aluminum, and other critical minerals. He outlines the structural shift underway in the silver market driven by accelerating industrial demand from solar, electrification, and advanced technologies, and explains how Comstock is positioned to capture value through recycling economics that blend environmental service fees, low operating costs, and commodity sales. With its first permitted facility in Nevada commissioning, plans to scale multiple recycling sites nationwide, and a strategy to vertically integrate domestic silver refining, Comstock is positioned for strong cash flow growth and long-term leadership in sustainable metals. 

Send us a textIn this episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight Podcast, American Outdoor Brands President & CEO Brian Murphy and CFO Andy Fulmer join host Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Doug Lane, Consumer Analyst at Water Tower Research, to discuss the company's innovation-driven strategy and growth momentum heading into 2026. The conversation explores disruptive product launches such as the expanding Claycopter platform, American Outdoor Brands' unique approach to identifying and solving market contradictions, and the growing success of brands including MEAT! Your Maker and Grilla. Management also shares perspectives on tariff mitigation, international expansion opportunities, and how gamification and subscription models are reshaping customer engagement across fishing, hunting, shooting, and outdoor cooking. 

Send us a textIn this episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and technology analyst James Kisner are joined by Nikolas Bullwinkel, Founder and CEO of Circus SE (Frankfurt: CA1). Bullwinkel previously co-founded quick commerce company Flink, scaling it to a multi-billion Euro valuation before launching Circus to bring full autonomy to the trillion-dollar food service industry. The CA-1 robot replaces entire canteen operations in hospitals, airports, and corporate environments—producing 100 meals per hour with integrated AI, sensors, and the proprietary Circus OS software platform. Bullwinkel highlights the company's razor-blade business model, with each robot adding approximately €100k in annual recurring revenue. Defense applications are accelerating as armed forces seek to modernize logistics infrastructure, with Circus's container-based CA-M deploying in minutes versus hours for traditional field kitchens. With 800,000 meals tested, 40 patents, production partner Celestica ramping capacity, and an order book exceeding 500 units, Bullwinkel characterizes 2026 revenue guidance of €44-55M as conservative and outlines a long-term vision for building a global nutrition intelligence platform.

Send us a textOur guest for this Flashcast edition is Shawn Severson, CEO and Co-Founder of Water Tower Research, and Head of Market Commentary and Thematic Research. Shawn breaks down his latest research, “The Cost of Equity Pivot: Why Structure Now Matters More Than Rates,” which challenges the traditional small-cap playbook heading into 2026. While falling interest rates have helped fuel a recent rebound in small caps, Shawn explains why the true driver of the innovation economy in 2026 is the cost of equity, not the cost of debt. He outlines the market's structural shift from “survival financing” to “growth financing,” why markets are now rewarding solvency over dilution, and how investors should position around clean cap tables, funded innovators, and a barbell strategy as the small-cap equity window reopens.

Send us a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Benjamin Slager, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Blue Biofuels (US OTC: BIOF), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research. Slager details the company's innovative CTS technology, which transforms non-food plant material into cellulosic ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Slager highlights the process's efficiency, low costs, and major carbon reductions compared to corn ethanol. Blue Biofuels is launching its first commercial plant in Florida and partnering with Vertimass LLC for SAF production. With strong market demand, abundant feedstock and cost leadership, Blue Biofuels is positioned for profitability and long-term growth.

Send us a textOur guest for this episode is Rick Rosenthal, Director of Business Development at Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), where he focuses on helping advisors and wealth managers utilize options-based strategies. He joins Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair, Co-Founder, and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, for a timely discussion on derivatives positioning in the U.S. small-cap market.Rick explains why Russell 2000 (RUT) options have become a go-to vehicle for gaining or hedging small-cap exposure, highlighting structural advantages versus IWM, rising zero-DTE retail activity, and how investors are using protective puts, spreads, and volatility-harvesting strategies. The conversation also explores macro drivers behind the rotation into small caps, volatility signals from the RVX index, and Cboe's plan to expand RUT trading to Global Trading Hours in 2026, introducing new access points for both institutional and retail participants.____

Send us a textIn this episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and healthcare analyst Robert Sassoon are joined by Dr. Jim Gilligan, President and Chief Science Officer of Entropy Neurodynamics (ASX: ENP), formerly Tryptamine Therapeutics. Dr. Gilligan explains the motivation behind the company's rebrand and its decision to prioritize three core therapeutic targets: Binge Eating Disorder, Fibromyalgia, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome/abdominal pain. Although Entropy has reported positive Phase 2a results using oral psilocybin across these indications, Dr. Gilligan outlines why the company is shifting its strategy toward developing proprietary IV‑delivered psilocin formulations combined with psychotherapy, beginning with binge eating disorder. The discussion also covers Entropy's work on real‑time EEG and brain entropy as a potential biomarker, the company's financing,  regulatory roadmap, and longer‑term expansion opportunities in areas such as PTSD.

Send us a textIn this special Flashcast episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight podcast, Tim Gerdeman sits down with WTR Healthcare analyst Robert Sassoon to discuss his Initiation of Coverage Report on Anixa Biosciences. Their conversation explores Anixa's two clinical‑stage programs—one, an innovative CAR‑T cell therapy for terminal ovarian cancer patients, and the other, a breast cancer vaccine designed for both treatment and prevention. They review Phase 1 results, upcoming 2026 milestones, and how Anixa differentiates itself through both its scientific platforms and disciplined financial management.

Send us a textIn this episode of the WTR Small Cap Spotlight Podcast, LifeVantage President & CEO Steve Fife and Chief Sales Officer Kristen Cunningham join Water Tower Research to discuss the company's “Breakthrough Era” and strategic priorities for 2026. The conversation covers the successful integration of Love Biome, growing consultant engagement, new science-backed product innovation, and enhanced digital tools designed to drive customer activation and retention. Management also shares insights on upcoming live events and how LifeVantage is positioning itself for sustainable growth in the year ahead. 

Send us a textJoin Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Peter Gastreich, Senior Energy Transition and Sustainability Analyst, as they unpack WTR's Initiation of Coverage report for Abundia Global Impact Group (NYSE American: AGIG). AGIG's waste-to-value approach converts hard-to-recycle plastics and waste wood into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), diesel, and more.  AGIG stands out through proven, scalable modular technologies, a prime Houston Shipping Channel location, and strategic partnerships. In terms of sustainability, AGIG both helps to decarbonize transportation and divert waste from landfills. Peter highlights 2026 milestones like site expansion, commercialization steps, and EBITDA scenarios. 

Send us a textIn this episode, WTR's Tim Gerdeman is joined by Forum Energy Technologies (NYSE: FET) President & CEO Neal Lux and EVP & CFO Lyle Williams, along with WTR analyst Jeff Robertson, to unpack the company's FET 2030 strategy and how it builds on FET's “Beat the Market” playbook.

Send us a textIn this special Flashcast episode of the WTR Small-Cap podcast, Tim Gerdeman and WTR Healthcare analyst Robert Sassoon break down why more than 90% of biotech companies listed on a U.S. exchange choose NASDAQ over the NYSE.

Send us a textJoin Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Peter Gastreich, Senior Energy Transition and Sustainability Analyst, as they dive into WTR's Initiation of Coverage report for Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE), a Nevada-based innovator tackling clean energy and industrial bottlenecks. Discover how Comstock's businesses are driving growth include its cutting-edge solar panel recycling (metals business), historic mining assets, strategic real estate, and renewable fuels (Bioleum subsidiary). Get insights on the outlook for silver, aluminum, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and learn why these are important to the outlook for LODE. Peter also discusses project economics and shares WTR's financial forecasts for LODE including its rapid EBITDA growth to 2030. 

Send us a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Arthur Sams, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Polar Power (NASDAQ ticker POLA), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research. Sams highlights the company's innovative DC power and cooling solutions, which offer substantial fuel savings and reliability for telecom, EV charging, and microgrid applications. POLA is actively diversifying its revenue sources beyond telecom into residential, industrial, and military markets, leveraging its engineering expertise and production capacity. The company is tackling supply chain and tariff challenges by manufacturing most components in-house and adapting quickly to market changes. Sams points to a growing backlog, new product launches, and strategic partnerships as key drivers for future growth and mainstream adoption over the next 12 to 18 months.

Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and analyst Robert Sassoon speak with Eric Poma PhD, CEO of Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc (NYSE American: CLDI).  The discussion focuses on how Calidi is solving the "delivery problem" in cancer treatment, and specifically how to transport cancer-killing oncolytic viruses systemically through the bloodstream without the body's immune system neutralizing them before they reach the tumor.

Send us a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Philipp Stratmann, CEO of Ocean Power Technologies (NYSE: OPTT), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research. OPT is rapidly advancing maritime domain awareness with autonomous solutions for defense, energy, and research. Stratmann spotlights OPT's breakthrough $5 million DHS contract for its game-changing first multi-buoy deployment, emphasizing deep integration with Coast Guard systems on the Pacific Coast. Leveraging unique, self-recharging buoys, OPT stands apart from competitors and is expanding its pipeline with more multi-asset, recurring contracts. With momentum in defense and security contracts related to the U.S. maritime border and strategic growth overseas, Stratmann is bullish on OPT's outlook.

Send us a textTune in to the latest WTR Small-Cap Spotlight Flashcast! Join Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Peter Gastreich, Senior Energy Transition and Sustainability Analyst, as they discuss Peter's recent report and: 1) concerns from scientists about over-reliance on carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a climate solution; 2) the benefits of CCS with ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); 3) what makes SAF scalable, sustainable, and economically beneficial; 4) other viable pathways like woody biomass waste and plastics-to-fuel; and 5) related companies including Abundia Global Impact Group (AGIG), Comstock (LODE), Gevo (GEVO), and Green Plains (GPRE).

Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and analyst Robert Sassoon speak with Dwight Egan, CEO of Co-Diagnostics Inc. (NASDAQ: CODX), about the company's evolution from a pandemic-era PCR testing provider to a diversified molecular diagnostics leader. In our discussion, Egan highlights the Co-DX PCR Pro, a portable, cost-effective device that delivers gold-standard PCR testing outside the lab and explains how its patented Co-Primer multiplexing technology sets it apart from competitors. Our conversation also covers Co-Diagnostics' “razor-and-blade” business model, its pipeline of testing capabilities targeting high-impact infectious diseases, the role of AI in manufacturing and diagnostic optimization, and the commercial strategies needed to achieve long-term financial success.

Send us a textIn our latest WTR Flashcast, host Tim Gerdeman and technology analyst James Kisner break down Water Tower Research's initiation of coverage on C3 AI (NYSE: AI). They explore how C3 serves as an "enterprise AI operating layer" that sits above cloud providers and foundation models, helping large organizations connect AI capabilities to their internal data and workflows. The discussion covers C3's recent financial reset and leadership transition, the growing importance of federal government customers, and how generative and agentic AI are becoming the front door into the platform. James also walks through why C3 has become a credible acquisition candidate for strategic buyers like Microsoft or IBM. 

Send us a textChemicals and Materials Technology analyst Dmitry Silversteyn discusses Avient's history of evolution from an M&A driven business model to an above-GDP organic grower driven by technology, customer intimacy and new market penetration, led by a strong management team with the right expertise. 

Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight,  host Tim Gerdeman and analyst Robert Sassoon talk with Apyron CEO Jaggi Gill about the company's innovative neurostimulation technology for chronic pain, an all too prevalent affliction affecting millions of people.  Gill explains why Apyron's patient-focused approach stands out, and outlines the market opportunity and commercialization strategy.

Send us a textIn this WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and WTR's James Kisner speak with James McCormick, CEO of Cloudastructure (NASDAQ: CSAI), about bringing AI to video surveillance and remote guarding. The discussion covers how the company's cloud analytics continuously review site activity, prioritizes real events with AI, and enables trained specialists to perform live interventions to prevent escalation. Other topics include Cloudastructure's land-and-expand momentum with top multifamily managers and expansion into logistics (truck-parking/yard environments), commercial sites, and construction. McCormick also highlights proof points such as high customer retention and ROI, and the 2026 scorecard: revenue growth, deeper penetration and new logos in target verticals,  and a disciplined path toward cash-flow positivity and profitability.

Send us a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Chris Cooper, the new CEO of XCF Global (NASDAQ: SAFX), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research. Cooper shares his extensive aviation and energy industry journey from aspiring pilot to President of Neste US (and more!) and tells us what ultimately attracted him to join as CEO of XCF Global. The conversation covers XCF's innovative approach to transforming waste and residue feedstocks into SAF, its modular and scalable refinery model, major strategic partnerships like with Phillips 66, the aviation industry's path to decarbonization, and SAF's role as the only practical and immediate solution. Cooper discusses policy impacts, market challenges, and why XCF is well placed to capitalize on growth opportunities with expansion and new facilities in the US and Australia. 

Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and analyst Robert Sassoon speak with Shaun Bagai, CEO of RenovoRx (NASDAQ: RNXT). The company is pioneering targeted oncology therapies and commercializing RenovoCath™, an FDA-cleared multi-specialty local drug delivery device for high unmet needs. We discuss the innovation and advantages of its TAMP™ (Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion) platform—powered by the proprietary dual-balloon catheter—and how it sets RenovoRx apart in treating hard-to-reach hypovascular tumors like pancreatic cancer. The conversation also covers RenovoCath's commercialization strategy and key milestones in its Phase 3 clinical trial aimed at proving the platform's delivery superiority over the current standard of care.

Send us a textHomerun Resources, Inc. is developing a vertically integrated HPQ silica to glass enterprise in Brazil that looks to provide a less expensive, environmentally friendly alternative to China's dominance in solar panel and other technology verticals, augmented by proprietary AI-based energy management systems. 

Send us a textJoin Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Peter Gastreich, Senior Energy Transition and Sustainability Analyst, as they discuss Peter's recent report on Abundia Global Impact Group (AGIG) including: 1) AGIG's waste-to-value approach that redirects materials from landfills and incineration; 2) strategy for converting hard to recycle waste plastics and waste woody biomass into high value fuels and chemicals like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); 3) AGIG's access to proprietary pyrolysis technologies; 4) recent milestones including Cedar Port facility groundbreaking on the Houston Ship Channel and newly announced strategic partnerships for renewable fuel development; 5) recent capital raises and strengthened balance sheet; and other topics.

Send us a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, John Gibson, CEO of Nauticus Robotics (NASDAQ: KITT), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research. The conversation covers KITT's autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) strategy, technology, and milestones. Gibson highlights KITT's focus on delivering efficiency, safety, and cost savings and discusses how the new relationship with Forum Technologies (FET) will accelerate KITT's manipulator strategy. Key achievements include successful acquisitions, expanded testing facilities, software retrofits for existing vehicles, and manufacturing partnerships to accelerate growth. Discussion covers capital strategy, plans for the ELOC, and deep-sea mineral exploration strategy. John also emphasizes a disciplined approach to financial management, shareholder value, and a shift from surviving to thriving as Nauticus enters 2026.

Send us a textThis week on the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Ruella Menezes , Director of Energy with the Management Consulting Practice at Kline & Company , sits down with Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research. Together, they dive into the game-changing potential of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for slashing airline emissions, zero in on what's fueling the explosive growth in SAF demand, and unpack the real-world hurdles of getting new projects off the ground. The conversation also takes on the tough question of how airlines can afford SAF when it's still much pricier than fossil jet fuel, explores feedstock bottlenecks and the rise of new production methods, and breaks down the biggest risks ahead—from the need for unified policy to the crucial role of industry collaboration and ongoing innovation.

Send us a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Jim Deller, CEO of ClearSign Technologies (NASAQ: CLIR), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research to discuss: 1) CLIR's patented ultra-low emissions burner technology for industries like oil refineries and petrochemical plants; 2) how CLIR's burners help clients meet strict NOx regulations globally without expensive post-combustion equipment; 3) key partnerships that boost manufacturing and credibility; 4) recent milestones like large commercial orders and the launch of a flexible-fuel 100% hydrogen burner; 5) expanding high margin aftermarket sales; and 6) CLIR's asset-light model approaching break-even profitability.

Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Stefano Valentini Chairman of DRONE VOLT  (Euronext Paris ticker symbol ALDRV), joins host Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair, Co-Founder, and CMO of Water Tower Research, along with Dr. John Roy, WTR's Senior Equity Research Analyst. The conversation explores the strategic priorities of a drone company, focusing on its growth and go-to-market strategy in North America, specifically detailing the local production of the KOBRA drone to meet 'Made in the USA' requirements for government and critical infrastructure contracts. It also delves into the technical and business differentiators, including its LineDrone product, multi-sensor support, platform flexibility, and the scalability and margin structure of its 'Drone-as-a-Service' (DaaS) model, alongside its proactive navigation of the evolving FAA regulatory landscape for BVLOS operations.

Send us a textOn the latest WTR Small-Cap Spotlight podcast episode, we welcomed Jan Eryk Umiastowski, CFO of GenSight Biologics (Euronext Paris: SIGHT), a late clinical-stage biopharma company based in Paris, France, primarily focused on developing and commercializing novel disease-modifying gene therapies aimed at reversing vision loss from severe neurodegenerative retinal diseases. He discusses GenSight's development pipeline, what's unique about  the company's approach to gene therapy and upcoming target milestones.

Send us a textTune in to the latest WTR Small-Cap Spotlight Flashcast! Join Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Peter Gastreich, Senior Energy Transition and Sustainability Analyst, as they discuss Peter's initiation of coverage on Darling Ingredients Inc. (DAR)

Send us a textIn our latest WTR-Small-Cap Spotlight podcast, we welcome back Jack Lu, Director of Corporate Development at Ainos (NASDAQ: AIMD)  to discuss key takes from the company's recently reported 3Q25 earnings release. He also dives into  Ainos' latest strategic partnerships with Topco and NEXCOM, its expanding IP moat with seven new patents, and  outlines the roadmap for 2026—commercial scale-up, industrial deployments and expansion plans beyond Asia.

Send us a textIn this episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight Podcast, Chris Mayo, Head of Primary Markets for the Americas at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), joins host Tim Gerdeman for a deep dive into one of the world's most influential capital markets. Mayo explains why London remains the #1 listing venue in Europe, how it has become the leading capital-raising market outside of the U.S., China, and India, and why the U.K. attracts high-quality global issuers including from the US. The discussion highlights major differences between the U.K. and U.S. small- and micro-cap environments, including investor base composition, follow-on capital access, issuer profitability, listing costs, and regulatory reporting. Mayo also walks through the advantages of dual listings—citing the recent Fermi America transaction—and introduces LSEG's new Private Securities Market, designed to bring transparency and efficiency to secondary transactions for private companies.A timely and insightful conversation for management teams, investors, and advisors evaluating global capital access in 2026 and beyond.

Send us a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Ben Richardson, CEO of Sulnox Group (US OTC: SNOXF) (UK ISDX: SNOX), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research to discuss: 1) the company's patented organic fuel conditioner that improves combustion, reduces fuel costs and emissions, and enhances performance and cleanliness for all engine types; 2) how the technology helps customers achieve immediate cost and environmental benefits without retrofitting; 3) the massive addressable market that covers all liquid hydrocarbon fuels worldwide; 4) current traction and large demonstrated cost savings in the marine sector and other industries; 5) strategic growth involving global patents and partnerships, leveraging distributors and scalable manufacturing; and 7) opportunity in monetizing carbon credits.

Send us a textHear about the latest dynamic developments in the therapeutic psychedelics sector in our latest WTR Healthcare Happenings x Small-Cap Spotlight crossover episode. Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Robert Sassoon, WTR's Senior Healthcare Analyst, discuss the October's fundraising activity surge; what has contributed to renewed investor confidence; comparisons with the hype-driven cycle of 2021; impact on valuations in the sector; and sustainability of the positive trend going into 2026.  

Send us a textTune in to the latest WTR Small-Cap Spotlight Flashcast! Join Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Peter Gastreich, Senior Energy Transition and Sustainability Analyst, as they discuss Ocean Power Technologies (OPTT) including: 1) how OPT evolved from wave energy solutions to integrated maritime domain awareness, combining renewble power, vehicles, and AI-driven software; 2) key markets like defense, offshore energy, climate research, and the emerging blue economy in the U.S. and internationally; 3) OPT's proprietary tech, partnerships, and certifications and how these set it apart with its government and industry clients; 4)  how OPT is managing growth amidst challenges like regulatory uncertainty, lengthy sales cycles, and rising competition; and 5) OPT's surging backlog and pipeline positioning the company for strong future execution under its experienced leadership. 

Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, John DeSimone, Chief Financial Officer of Herbalife (NYSE: HLF), joins hosts Shawn Severson and Doug Lane of Water Tower Research to discuss how Herbalife is entering a new era of growth through digital transformation, personalization, and financial discipline.DeSimone details Herbalife's accelerating global momentum, including its first U.S. sales growth in more than four years, a 40% increase in operating cash flow, and continued debt reduction, lowering its leverage ratio to 2.8x. The discussion also covers the rollout of Pro2col, Herbalife's digital platform for distributors and customers; the development of personalized nutrition through Link Biosciences; and the company's disciplined approach to capital allocation and long-term growth.

Send us a textTune in to the latest WTR Small-Cap Spotlight Flashcast! Join Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at WTR, and Peter Gastreich, Senior Energy Transition and Sustainability Analyst, as they discuss Ocean Power Technologies (OPTT) including: 1) how OPT evolved from wave energy solutions to integrated maritime domain awareness, combining renewble power, vehicles, and AI-driven software; 2) key markets like defense, offshore energy, climate research, and the emerging blue economy in the U.S. and internationally; 3) OPT's proprietary tech, partnerships, and certifications and how these set it apart with its government and industry clients; 4)  how OPT is managing growth amidst challenges like regulatory uncertainty, lengthy sales cycles, and rising competition; and 5) OPT's surging backlog and pipeline positioning the company for strong future execution under its experienced leadership.

Send us a textIn this special WTR Consumer Hardlines Symposium, Shawn Severson, Doug Lane, and the Water Tower Research team host two industry leaders to discuss how furniture and home furnishings companies are managing through tariff volatility, inflationary pressures, and shifting consumer demand as they prepare for the next growth cycle.Iv Culp, President and CEO of Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CULP), shares how the company's Project Blaze cost optimization initiative—expected to generate $18 million in annual savings—and its multi-geography manufacturing platform have positioned Culp for supply chain resilience and margin expansion when demand rebounds.Tiffany Hinkle, Assistant Vice President of Financial Reporting at Haverty Furniture Companies (NYSE: HVT), discusses how Haverty's reduced its China exposure from 15% to under 5%, maintained stable margins amid tariffs, and optimized its cost structure to support future operating leverage and sustained dividend growth.Together, the discussion explores how both companies are balancing capital discipline, domestic flexibility, and global sourcing while staying laser-focused on operational efficiency and shareholder value—illustrating how U.S. hardline companies are preparing for recovery in 2026 and beyond.

Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Anthony Tennyson, CEO and Co-Founder of Solvonis Therapeutics (LSE: SVNS | OTC: SLVNF), joins host Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair and Co-Founder of Water Tower Research, and analyst Robert Sassoon to discuss the company's mission to transform care for addiction and mental health disorders.Tennyson shares Solvonis' journey from inception to its Phase 3 lead program for alcohol use disorder (AUD), which achieved 86% patient sobriety in prior Phase 2 trials, and details how the company's **dual R&D strategy—repurposing existing molecules and discovering new small molecules—**has allowed it to progress with exceptional capital efficiency. The discussion also covers the SVN-001 and SVN-002 programs, commercialization strategy, and Solvonis' strong financial position and runway through 2027 as it works toward redefining treatment for one of the world's most pervasive unmet medical needs.

Send us a textIn this WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and WTR's James Kisner sit down with Sparta Commercial Services (OTCQB: SRCO) CEO Tony Havens and WeDev Group CEO Eduardo Filho to unpack Sparta's pivot from powersports/municipal leasing into fintech and private credit. The conversation centers on Agoge, a trade-finance platform that automates onboarding, compliance, and dollar-settled payments for Brazilian importers—covering early traction, risk management, and targeted milestones such as scaling the loan book, launching a virtual card, and entering new international markets.

Send us a textOn this week's episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Dan Sceli, CEO of Westport Fuel Systems (NASDAQ: WPRT) (TSX: WPRT), joined Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair & Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Water Tower Research, and Peter Gastreich, Energy and Sustainable Investing Analyst at Water Tower Research to discuss: 1) Westport's leading position as a supplier of advanced, affordable, low-emission technologies for the global transportation and industrial sectors; 2) how the company's HPDI™ technology enables diesel engines to run on clean fuels like CNG, RNG, LNG, and hydrogen, at lower cost and reducing CO2 emissions by 20-30% and by up to 100% with bioLNG; 3) the strategic value of its joint venture with Volvo Group; 4) how divesting its light-duty business enhances focus on heavy-duty applications and strengthened its financial position; and 5) WPRT's growth strategy and key signposts ahead.

Send us a textIn this episode of WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, Shahin Amini, Head of Investor Relations and Communications at Meren Energy (TSX: MER), joins hosts Tim Gerdeman and Jeff Robertson of Water Tower Research to discuss how Meren's recent transformation and rebranding reflect its evolution into a full-cycle, cash-generative exploration and production company.Amini details Meren's high-quality deepwater assets in Nigeria, its carried positions in Namibia and South Africa's Orange Basin, and upcoming catalysts including the Venus field development and infrastructure-led exploration. The conversation also highlights Meren's strong balance sheet (0.6x net debt-to-EBITDA), a tripled base dividend, and the company's strategy of partnering with industry leaders like TotalEnergies, Chevron, and QatarEnergy to pursue growth while protecting shareholder value.

Send us a textIn this WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and WTR's James Kisner sits down with PayRio Founder & CEO Aubrey Amatelli to explore how the company delivers compliant digital payments for cannabis and alternative medicine—from its “Digital Debit” solution that replaces legacy cashless-ATM workflows to a broader roadmap spanning CBD, psilocybin, peptides, and ketamine therapy. The conversation also covers PayRio's culture (a female-led team bringing “feminine energy” to fintech), profitability without outside venture funding, and what rescheduling and the SAFER Banking Act could mean for payments and banking across the industry. 

Send us a textIn this episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight Podcast, Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group, joins hosts Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair and Co-Founder of Water Tower Research, and Shawn Severson, WTR Co-Founder and CEO. The discussion explores OTC's expanding global footprint, the surge in cross-border trading activity, and the company's role in connecting international issuers with U.S. investors. Paltrowitz highlights rising European and Canadian engagement, the “list local, trade global” model, and new opportunities ahead in Asia and overnight trading as OTC continues to enhance global market efficiency heading into 2026.