For the record, I'd be content with annualised capital gains of just 10% per annum on my share portfolio over the long-term.
So – like all investors – you can imagine my excitement when companies like 1-Page Ltd (ASX: 1PG) list on the ASX.
Note: That little red line in the chart is the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO).
Usually, high-risk/high-reward opportunities like 1-Page are reserved for venture capitalists in Silicon Valley or institutions with deep pockets and experience turning ideas into multi-billion dollar companies.
However, retail investors have relished the speculative nature of this once tiny technology/HR business by sending its share price up a jaw-dropping 1,400% over the past year.
Astoundingly, 1-Page, a company focused on cheaply and effectively filtering job applicants with a current market capitalisation of $380 million, saw cash receipts from customers of just $118,000 in its most recent quarter year.
While it may appear crazy in the eyes of dyed-in-the-wool value investors, clearly, some Australian investors are unwilling to turn their nose up at these speculative opportunities.
Reffind Ltd: The Next 1-Page?
Step up, Reffind Ltd (ASX: RFN).
Over recent weeks, I received some emails about Reffind Ltd. A small human resources focused technology business that appears to be treading a similar path to the San Francisco-based 1-Page.
Already up 330% since its Initial Public Offering in July, investors may indeed be falling over themselves for a slice of 1-Page 2.0.
However, while both companies have shaped their business model around innovative human resources products that take advantage of internal networking, the parallels between the two companies are limited.
Who is Reffind?
Reffind is a $100 million tech company which has developed a suite of apps which deliver short and sharp messages to employees via their smartphones.
These messages, or 'cards' as they're known, can house things like job ads, which colleagues can send to potential applicants for points; educational content and satisfaction surveys. These products are offered at a 'consumer price point' according to the company.
Despite raising some $8 million during the IPO, neither of Reffind's founders sold their shares. Instead, they escrowed their large stakes in the business for two years – something likely to reassure early investors.
Then there's Reffind's keen eye to profitability. Like 'Voldemort' from a Harry Potter novel, profit is a word few small-cap tech companies toss around loosely, and many avoid altogether!
However, Reffind CEO Jamie Pride is convinced his company and its product are worth paying for. He recently hinted at profitability in its 2016 financial year during a video interview. With $6 million in cash, and an estimated $300,000 going out the door every month, but just $20,941 in revenue last financial year, profitability in FY16 may appear ambitious.
However, the strategy to profitability appears simple enough, and more and more large employers are engaging Reffind every month.
Buy, hold or sell?
Experienced management teams and seemingly excellent yet simple product offerings make junior technology stocks the quintessential speculation for those seeking a get-rich-quick ticket.
While Reffind may, in fact, be the next 1-Page — or better — investors shouldn't glaze over the risks. Indeed, don't overexpose yourself to any one investment, let alone one as small as Reffind.
In saying that, however, if you can stomach volatility and are willing to take a punt, Reffind could be what you're seeking.
Indeed, I took some of my own advice and bought a small parcel of Reffind shares last month. Fingers crossed!
