NEW YORK, Jan 26, 2026, 19:17 (EST) — After-hours
- Brand Engagement Network Inc shares surged 276.7%, closing at $62.08, before falling roughly 27% in after-hours trading.
- During Monday’s session, the stock triggered several Nasdaq “volatility pause” halts.
- Traders flagged last week’s Africa AI licensing deal disclosure as the newest trigger.
Brand Engagement Network Inc shares surged 276.7% to close at $62.08 on Monday, only to drop 27.3% to $45.14 in after-hours trading. The Nasdaq-listed stock fluctuated sharply between $26.33 and $67.63 during the session, with volume reaching roughly 33 million shares. 1
The surge highlights a thinly traded microcap touting AI, where momentum can surge sharply—and reverse just as fast. The late pullback hints the trade might not run one-way into Tuesday.
The key question now: will buyers step back in when regular trading kicks off, or will liquidity dry up, making price swings more extreme? Either way, volatility is likely to ramp up, especially if the stock keeps opening with gaps.
BNAI faced multiple interruptions under Nasdaq’s “volatility pause” rule, which kicks in when a stock experiences rapid price swings. According to a Cboe Global Markets halt list, BNAI was paused at least eight times on Monday, with most halts occurring near the market open. 2
Investors are buzzing over details from an Africa expansion deal revealed last week. According to a Form 8-K filed Jan. 20, the company sealed a licensing and investment agreement with Valio Technologies and a new South Africa-based entity. The deal includes a $2.05 million preferred equity injection, which Brand Engagement Network plans to book as intellectual property licensing revenue. The filing states the company will hold a 25% common equity stake and a board seat in the new venture, securing a 35% cut of revenue. It also grants an exclusive, perpetual license for government and private-sector markets across Africa. Separately, a memorandum of understanding with Nelson Mandela University for a student wellbeing AI pilot was described as non-binding, with no significant financial obligations attached.
Valio Technologies CEO Lefentse Nokaneng emphasized the importance of precision, governance, and trust in mental health tools during the Jan. 21 press release announcing the partnership. 3
TipRanks reported that the stock surged over 240% in premarket trading Monday, catching retail traders’ eyes before the open. The jump in volume was linked to investor interest in the Africa licensing framework. 4
Fundamentals leave scant room for mistakes. According to TradingView, fiscal 2024 revenue clocks in near $99,790, while the net loss stands around $33.7 million. The float sits at roughly 2.7 million shares — a setup that can amplify sharp squeezes and sudden drops. 5
Assuming the Africa deal unfolds as planned, investors will focus on how swiftly deployments turn into steady revenue—and if the company will require additional funding following the recent surge. The after-hours slide serves as a stark reminder: dilution and sudden pullbacks often shadow rapid, retail-fueled rallies.
Public.com’s earnings calendar shows the next report due March 20, followed by an earnings call on March 30. Traders will keep an eye out for any fresh filings or statements after Monday’s jump. 6
