Despite COVID-led disruptions hampering the global economy, there has been an IPO gala in 2021. According to recent reports, European stock market listings witnessed huge momentum especially in the first half of 2021 owing to pent-up demand for growth companies and unprecedented monetary stimulus.
Consequently, European stock market listings hit their highest level for 14 years as startups across the continent decided to go public. Raising a total of €44.6 billion across 223 IPOs between January and June, the European markets marked their busiest first half in recent history this year.
While the year witnessed a disappointing performance from Amazon-backed Deliveroo and many more, there have been startups that grabbed the limelight and bagged top ranks for listing gains. TFN brings you a round-up of some of the most remarkable tech IPOs that decided to take the plunge in the IPO boom and emerged successful in Europe.
Darktrace
Founders: Dave Palmer, Emily Orton, Jack Stockdale, Nicole Eagan, Poppy Gustafsson
Founded year: 2013
Founded in: Cambridge, UK
Funding: $230.5M
Founded in Cambridge by a group of former intelligence experts and mathematicians, the startup uses artificial intelligence to detect and respond to cyberthreats in business’ IT systems. As Cyber security is here to stay, Darktrace shares soared 43% in London IPO debut this year.
WISE
Founders: Kristo Kaarmann, Taavet Hinrikus
Founded year: 2011
Founded in: London, UK
Funding: $1.3B
Formally known as Transferwise, WISE is a money transfer service that allows private individuals and businesses to send money abroad without hidden charges. The platform has moved £54.4 billion across borders for more than six million customers until now.
The startup witnessed its valuation hit more £8 billion following its listing on the London Stock Exchange in July. What was remarkable about the startup was its direct listing. This was one of LSE’s biggest float of 2021 and London’s largest ever tech listing.
Sono Motors
Founders: Jona Christians, Laurin Hahn, Navina Pernsteiner
Founded year: 2016
Founded in: Munich, Germany
Funding: $126.6M
By focusing on manufacturing electric vehicles with alternative power technologies and innovative sharing services, the Munich-based startup is gearing to become an established provider of sustainable mobility. As EV companies race to cash in on strong investor demand, the carmaker company went public in Nasdaq this year.
It listed 10 million shares at $15 per share, with underwriters given a 30-day option to purchase an additional 1.5 million shares at the offer price. With share prices the rocketed higher immediately, this startup has proved its mettle in the US market.
PensionBee
Founders: Jonathan Lister, Romina Savova
Founded year: 2014
Founded in: London, UK
Funding:
Combining all old pensions into one new online plan, this online pension provider startup enables its users to create profiles including information on past and present pension and personal information. The women-led platform announced London IPO with market value put at £350 million this year.
NFT Investments
Founders: Jonathan Bixby and Mike Edwards
Founded in: London, UK
Funding: £35M
Set up to invest in NFTs directly and in companies or funds that have exposure to NFTs and blockchain technology, NFT Investments is a one-of-a-kind crypto asset. It enables collectors to authenticate, own and trade original authenticated versions of unique digital goods on the blockchain. The startup raised £35 million via London Stock Exchange, doubled IPO to £20 million amid surge in demand in April this year.
InPost
Founders: Rafał Brzoska
Founded year: 2006
Founded in: Poland
Funding: €2.8B
In one of Europe’s biggest IPO since 2018, the Polish e-commerce delivery startup raised €2.8 billion to list on Euronext Amsterdam. The platform is looking at becoming Europe’s leading out-of-home automated solution for e-commerce. Currently, it is offering self-service lockers for customers that can be used to arrange delivery and collection of parcels.
