I think enough cash to cover costs could/will come before uplist. Granted, biggest influx will likely be at uplist.
However, they prove production, and if there’s a household name willing to announce a contract while still on the OTC, some deep pockets will break their rule about not investing in OTC stocks based on the credibility of the household name.
I agree that communication from the company is pointing to success. Like they already know it and are trying to time the releases.