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Key people at STNC.
STNC develops communication software for the digital cellular industry. Its core products are wireless solutions, leveraging Internet standards for integration into mobile appliances like cellular phones and handheld computers. This software enables essential functions such as mobile email, calendar, contact management, and direct internet access from early cellular devices.
Founded in 1993, STNC emerged from the insight that cellular devices would become vital information gateways via open Internet standards. Ran Mokady, as CEO, guided its specialization in software crucial for the nascent mobile internet. The company’s inception was driven by the belief that standardized software was fundamental to realizing wireless information delivery’s potential.
STNC’s clientele included mobile operators and handset manufacturers, integrating advanced communication features into their products. The company envisioned universal information access from any device, anytime, anywhere. Through its innovative software, STNC aimed to provide foundational technology for a future where mobile phones served as comprehensive information portals, extending beyond basic calls.
Key people at STNC.
STNC is the Hennessy Sustainable ETF, an actively managed exchange-traded fund launched on March 15, 2021, that invests at least 80% of its net assets in U.S. large-cap equity securities meeting sustainability standards, primarily from the Russell 1000 Index.[1][3] Sub-advised by Stance Capital, LLC, it combines ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing with machine learning, risk optimization, and a non-transparent active approach, targeting long-term capital appreciation through high-growth tech companies with strong competitive positions while screening for ESG criteria and sustainability performance against industry peers.[1][2][3] As of recent data, STNC has $96 million in net assets, an expense ratio of 0.85%, a dividend yield of 0.89%, and has delivered NAV returns of 8.94% in 2024 (through year-end), underperforming the S&P 500's 25.02% but showing resilience with 11.4% in 2023.[3]
The fund's mission centers on high-conviction, sustainable strategies that integrate quantitative tools for outperformance, primarily in U.S. large-cap stocks (with some mid- and small-cap exposure), emphasizing sectors like technology for growth while prioritizing ESG factors.[1][3] Its investment philosophy—active management without a fixed benchmark—aims to exceed broad market returns via sustainability-focused stock selection, quarterly rebalancing, and high active share (88% vs. S&P 500).[3]
STNC was launched on March 15, 2021, by Hennessy Advisors, Inc., as its primary advisor, with distribution handled by Quasar Distributors LLC and sub-advisory from Stance Capital, LLC, an independent, employee-owned firm based in Boston, MA.[1][3] Hennessy Funds, the parent entity, has built a reputation for high-conviction strategies across investor portfolios, evolving to include ESG-integrated ETFs amid rising demand for sustainable investing post-2020.[3]
The fund emerged during a surge in ESG awareness and tech-driven markets, with Stance Capital applying its expertise in machine learning and risk models to screen and rank U.S. equities. Early traction included inception-to-year-end 2021 returns of 17.00% (vs. S&P 500's 21.40%), navigating volatility like 2022's -12.78% drawdown better than the index's -18.11%.[3] This backstory reflects a pivot by established players like Hennessy toward active, tech-enhanced sustainable funds.
STNC rides the convergence of ESG investing and AI-driven tech growth, capitalizing on market forces like regulatory pushes for sustainability (e.g., SEC climate disclosures) and investor shifts toward responsible large-cap tech amid 2020s volatility.[1][3] Its timing aligns with post-pandemic tech dominance in the Russell 1000/S&P 500, where sustainable screens filter for resilient leaders in AI, cloud, and semiconductors—sectors powering the current tech supercycle.[2][3]
By influencing capital flows into ESG-compliant high-growth firms, STNC contributes to the startup-to-scaleup ecosystem indirectly, as portfolio companies often include tech giants incubating innovations; its active model pressures broader indices to adopt sustainability metrics, amplifying tech's role in net-zero transitions.[1][3]
STNC is poised for growth as ESG assets swell toward $50 trillion globally by 2030, with AI enhancements sharpening its edge in volatile tech markets—expect AUM expansion beyond $100MM if 2025 returns rebound toward historical averages.[1][3] Trends like AI-optimized ESG scoring and policy tailwinds (e.g., inflation Reduction Act extensions) will shape its path, potentially evolving influence via expanded mid-cap exposure or international sustainability plays.
Tying back to its core as a sustainable tech gateway, STNC exemplifies how active ETFs can blend ethics, tech, and returns for discerning investors navigating tomorrow's markets.[1][2][3]
