Vertical Data Inc. Appoints Chris Downs as CFO Amid Growth Initiatives

Vertical Data Inc. Announces Chris Downs as Interim Chief Financial Officer

Vertical Data Inc. has recently made a significant leadership change by appointing Chris Downs as the Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective August 17, 2026. Known for his extensive expertise in capital markets and corporate governance, Downs will also serve as the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer for the company. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for Vertical Data as it aims to uplist its common stock from the OTCQB® Venture Market to a national securities exchange.

In his new role, Downs will oversee the company’s finance and accounting functions, ensuring that they are strategically aligned with the upcoming uplisting plans and the necessary compliance requirements. Prior to this appointment, Downs had a successful tenure as a consultant for Vertical Data, focusing on finance, reporting, and uplisting activities that are crucial for the company's future.

Experience That Aligns with Growth Objectives
“Chris joiningVertical Data signifies an important milestone in our growth,” stated Deven Soni, Chairman and CEO of Vertical Data. Downs’ experience as the Chief Financial Officer of a Nasdaq-listed company over the past decade uniquely equips him to guide Vertical Data through this transformative phase. His expertise in listing compliance and capital markets execution will be invaluable as the company seeks to enhance its operational foundation, which is key for a public company.

Before his current role, Downs served as CFO at CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from November 2019 to March 2026, where he successfully orchestrated various financing strategies, including follow-on offerings and PIPE transactions. Additionally, he directed the SEC regulatory compliance and governance modernization for the company. His previous roles include Interim CFO at InfuSystem Holdings, where he played a significant part in an SEC restatement and managed refinancing initiatives that notably lowered the company's debt costs.

Downs has also demonstrated his financial acumen in his prior position as a director and Audit Committee Chair of EBET, Inc. His background as a healthcare investment banker has seen him advising on over $4 billion in announced merger and acquisition transaction value across firms like Citigroup and Alterity Partners. Throughout his career, he has notably raised and arranged upwards of $285 million in capital through various channels, showcasing his aptitude in navigating complex financial landscapes.

Focused on AI Infrastructure Growth
Downs shared his enthusiasm for his new position, stating, “Vertical Data sits at the center of the rapid buildout of AI computing infrastructure.” He emphasized that his foremost goal will be executing the uplisting while strengthening the company's financial framework to facilitate growth as a public entity. His credentials, which include a certification as a Public Accountant and a Professional in Treasury, further underline his suitability for driving Vertical Data towards its strategic objectives.

Leadership Continuity and Strategic Focus
Alongside Downs’ appointment, Christopher Creatura, who held the CFO position previously, will transition to the role of Chief Credit Officer. In this new capacity, he will lead credit and underwriting operations for the GPUfinancing.com platform, optimizing the alignment of his expertise with the company’s expanding GPU financing initiatives.

Deven Soni remarked on Creatura's valuable contributions as CFO since the company’s inception, expressing gratitude for his dedication and service. His shift to Chief Credit Officer is seen as a strategic move to ensure that GPU financing scales effectively, capitalizing on the collective strengths of both Creatura and Downs.

About Vertical Data Inc.
Vertical Data Inc. (OTCQB: VDTA) is an innovative AI infrastructure company that operates three distinct platforms: VerticalData.io, GPUfinancing.com, and Vertical Edge. Through these platforms, the company delivers enterprise GPU provisioning, structured financing solutions, and equity holdings in data centers. This integrated approach allows Vertical Data to provide a comprehensive suite of services encompassing hardware, financing, and facilities management under one roof. For additional information, visit Vertical Data's investor relations.

Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions. These statements, which include expectations regarding uplisting and strategic initiatives, entail risks and uncertainties that could lead to actual outcomes differing from those projected. Investors are encouraged to review Vertical Data's Annual and Quarterly Reports for a full understanding of potential risks.

With its focused leadership and commitment to growth, Vertical Data Inc. positions itself strategically to leverage upcoming opportunities in the dynamic landscape of AI infrastructure.