Nepali Company Begins Trading on US Stock Exchange NASDAQ
24th October 2025, Kathmandu
The official commencement of trading for FuseMachines on the prestigious NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol FUSE is an epoch-making moment for the Nepalese technology sector.
FuseMachines Begins Trading on NASDAQ
Founded by Nepali-origin computer scientist Dr. Sameer Maskey, this listing marks the first time a company with deep operational roots and leadership from Nepal has been featured on a major American exchange, effectively creating a new investment pathway for international capital into Nepalese talent and innovation.
A Milestone for AI and Nepalese Entrepreneurship
FuseMachines, an artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider, began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market after successfully completing a business combination, or merger, with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), CSLM Acquisition Company. This strategic maneuver allowed the company to bypass the typically lengthy process of a traditional Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Global Validation: The NASDAQ listing provides FuseMachines with unparalleled global visibility and credibility. It validates the company’s decade-long commitment to democratizing AI and its position as a global leader in enterprise AI solutions.
Talent Hub Recognition: With 260 of its 350 staff members based in Nepal, the listing shines a spotlight on the high-caliber technological talent pool within the country. This achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of Nepalese entrepreneurs and tech professionals to pursue global ambitions.
Strategic Growth: The public listing is more than just a symbolic victory. It strengthens the company’s balance sheet and provides the necessary capital and financial flexibility to fuel its next phase of growth. This includes strategic investments in product innovation, customer expansion, and targeted sales and marketing initiatives to capture the rapidly expanding global demand for scalable AI solutions.
Dr. Maskey, the company’s Founder and CEO, emphasized that this move “reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and execution,” positioning the newly combined entity for disciplined growth and long-term value creation.
The Strategic Pathway to NASDAQ: Merger via SPAC
FuseMachines’ route to the NASDAQ involved a strategic merger with a SPAC, CSLM Acquisition Company. A SPAC, often referred to as a “blank-check company,” is a shell corporation that raises capital through an IPO with the sole purpose of merging with a private operating company, thereby taking it public.
Accelerated Timeline: The SPAC merger process is significantly faster than a traditional IPO, which can often take over a year. This accelerated timeline allows a high-growth company like FuseMachines to access public market capital quickly.
Negotiated Valuation: Unlike a traditional IPO where valuation is determined by a volatile book-building process, a SPAC merger allows the company’s valuation (which was reportedly set at $200 million) to be negotiated directly between the private company and the SPAC sponsors.
New Capital Infusion: The transaction includes committed capital—reportedly up to approximately $20 million from CSLM affiliates—intended to support FuseMachines’ working capital needs and fuel product development and global expansion.
The new leadership structure, featuring Dr. Sameer Maskey as CEO and a diverse board, including Bharat Chris, Tim Goucher, Sanjay Shrestha, and Salman Alam, is poised to leverage the new financial flexibility to pursue strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions to expand its market presence further.
This historic debut not only cements FuseMachines’ place as a key player in the global AI landscape but also serves as a potent advertisement for the potential of enterprises originating from Frontier and Emerging Markets like Nepal.
For More: FuseMachines Begins Trading on NASDAQ
