Why Are Tech Companies Snubbing the London Stock Exchange for New York?

Why Tech Giants Are Choosing U.S. Markets Over London

In recent years, a significant trend has emerged as tech companies increasingly opt for initial public offerings (IPOs) on U.S. stock markets instead of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The latest example is Wise, a British fintech that announced its decision to list in New York, joining other notable firms like Arm and Klarna. The factor driving these decisions? The lure of higher valuations in a more capital-rich environment.

The Appeal of American Valuations

Victor Basta, managing partner at Artis Partners, highlights that the U.S. economy exhibits a robust performance, leading to more favorable valuations for tech companies that choose to list there. With a staggering $27 trillion market capitalization for the NYSE compared to a mere $3.5 trillion for the LSE, it’s no wonder that firms are reluctant to stay in a market that lacks depth and liquidity. Wise’s CEO Kristo Käärmann succinctly articulated the motivation behind their move, emphasizing a desire to access “the world’s deepest and most liquid capital market.”

The Risk Aversion Dilemma in Europe

One significant contrast between U.S. and European investors is their appetite for risk, especially in the tech sector. U.S. investors are generally more receptive to the idea of investing in growth-stage companies based on potential rather than immediate profitability. According to serial entrepreneur Andrey Korchak, this difference stifles startup growth in Europe, where investors often seek profitability from day one. Consequently, many unicorns born in Europe gravitate towards American markets for their IPOs.

Implications for Europe’s Startup Ecosystem

Sean Reddington, co-founder of UK tech firm Thrive, warns that such migration poses risks, leading to a potential "brain drain" of talent and capital from the UK. This trend threatens the growth opportunities available to local venture capitalists, prompting a call for more supportive government measures, including incentives that would encourage tech firms to consider listing in the UK.

Conclusion

The current trajectory suggests that without significant intervention, Europe may struggle to retain its tech innovators, which could have profound implications for its overall startup ecosystem. As discussions around this topic gain momentum, including at the upcoming TNW Conference in Amsterdam, stakeholders must reflect on how to create a more attractive landscape for tech listings.