Netcapital shares rise 10.45% premarket as activist investor Strategic EP files Schedule 13D to pursue strategic deals.

Netcapital Inc. (NASDAQ: NCPL) surged 10.45% in premarket trading following the disclosure by activist investor Strategic EP, LLC of a significant stake via a Schedule 13D filing with the SEC. The activist firm emphasized its intent to maximize shareholder value through strategic initiatives, including evaluating accretive transactions, governance changes, or operational reviews. This development introduced a new dynamic in Netcapital’s shareholder landscape, with Strategic EP’s engagement signaling potential value-creation opportunities. While the company also reported a 34% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 FY2026, the activist investor’s public commitment to strategic alternatives was the primary catalyst for the sharp premarket rally. The filing underscores investor speculation about governance or operational shifts that could enhance long-term shareholder returns.