Junior tech stock Ziptel Ltd (ASX: ZIP) jumped 13% higher today to 91 cents despite releasing no news to the market other than the signing of cricketer Brett Lee as its global ambassador.
Lee will be tasked with promoting the company's flagship product, which is its ZipT mobile app that let's smart phone users talk online on a low-cost basis.
The company is targeting acquisitive growth of some 10 million users over the next 18 months and expects Lee's mass appeal in sub-continental Asia to act as a growth lever. That sounds an ambitious target given ZipT faces competition, although the stock's rapid ascent suggest the company has some potential.
It's also not known how much ZipT is paying Lee to perform this role, but judging by his comments they've bowled the paceman over: "There is a genuine necessity for the Zipt app globally, especially in countries like India…I look forward to sharing this app with my family and friends and being able to keep in touch more frequently when on the road," Lee said.
The app is also said to be better than other voice over internet providers (VOIP) like Skype and Viber, while superior compression capabilities will make it cheaper for consumers in the long run, although the cost savings are unlikely to make much difference to Lee's net worth.
The company says it is fully funded for this next phase of growth and will be hoping to get a big return on investment from its association with one of India's most popular celebrities.
Your Foolish writer has even spotted Lee enjoying himself out on the town in a swanky Sydney bar with another legendary Aussie cricketer in Adam Gilchrist. The ex-wicketkeeper is a substantial shareholder in another promising ASX business named TFS Corporation Limited (ASX: TFC). TFS is a sandalwood growing business that has lifted 38% over the last six months, with a decent outlook based on growing demand for its sandalwood product and oil derivative.
Of the two I would prefer to own Gilly's TFS Corp thanks to its growing cash earnings and long-term outlook. Although, ZipT has doubled in price over the last six months and if able to execute on its claims may have further to run.
It looks high up the risk curve however and there may be better small-cap options with plans to capitalise on the fast-growing middle-class in Asia.
Including one of the two small-cap superstars The Motley Fool has unearthed below….
