The Aquis Stock Exchange, a challenger investment market based in London, has launched an IPO academy in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs, an arm of the banking giant focused on incubating startups and scaleups.
The Aquis IPO Academy will serve as a readiness programme for businesses looking towards a public launch. Participants will receive advice and support with the goal of giving them confidence to explore a listing as a route to long-term growth.
IPO momentum in the UK has been slowing since the record-breaking year of 2021. The academy was launched with this listing slump in mind, in hopes of addressing the gap between private scaleup success and public market participation.
“The UK has no shortage of ambition or entrepreneurial talent, and by providing earlier engagement, targeted education and practical support, we can help more of these high potential businesses successfully navigate their next stage of growth and remain here in the UK,” said Aquis boss David Stevens.
The six-month programme will offer access to investors, funding advice, pitch support and mentoring on governance and regulation.
“The journey from private to public markets is one of the most powerful engines of innovation and growth, but what we’re seeing is that too many promising UK businesses are struggling to access the knowledge, networks and capital needed to take that step confidently here in the UK,” said Abdul Qureshi, head of Barclays Business Bank.
“The academy will give founders the insight, support and network to navigate the public markets journey, while helping to strengthen the UK’s growth ecosystem for the long term.”
