Tag Archives: Direct Listing

What’s really so different about Spotify’s going public?

Spotify made a big splash with its novel approach to “going public.” Rather than following the tried-and-true path of an initial public offering – where the issuer sells stock to the public through underwriters – Spotify pursued a “direct listing.” But did it really do anything different?

While it is true that Spotify did not directly sell any stock to the public, it did file a traditional form of registration statement,… More

Direct Listing – Alternative to an IPO?

The New York Stock Exchange recently re-filed a proposal to permit direct listings, where private companies list a class of shares without an IPO or other registered offering.  The rule change was likely prompted by apparent market interest in such a path to “going public” coupled with the NYSE’s belief that its rival, The Nasdaq Stock Market, already permits direct listings.

If approved by the SEC,… More