Nearly £17 billion was raised by initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2021, the latest statistics have revealed.
The research, published by the London Stock Exchange (LSE), suggests that Britain’s capital markets are increasingly becoming the global destination for high-growth companies.
According to the report, 126 companies went public in 2021, raising £16.9 billion in IPO capital between them – the highest amount since 2007.
These include international firms from Europe, Canada, and the US, demonstrating London’s competitiveness in the global capital market.
The analysis further reveals that tech and digital service companies accounted for just under a third (29 per cent) of new listings on the LSE in 2021.
In total, 37 technology-focused IPOs – including food delivery app Deliveroo, consumer comparison website Trustpilot, and fintech PensionBee, as well as ecommerce businesses Moonpig, Made.com, and InTheStyle – raised £6.6 billion in 2021 – more than double 2020’s figure of £3.1 billion.
It means the UK is now home to 116 ‘unicorns’ – defined as firms with a market value of £1 billion or more – and 213 ‘futurecorns’ – high-growth firms with the potential to reach unicorn status within the next few years.
Commenting on the report, Digital Minister Chris Philp said: “2021 was a brilliant year for UK tech and it’s great to see just how many companies have grown from startup to scale-up, to finally becoming publicly-listed businesses on the London markets.
“Global investors hold London’s capital markets in high esteem and as we implement clear governance around innovative fast-growth companies, including rules around AI and data, we believe even more companies will appreciate the advantages that listing in London can give them.”
Julia Hoggett, CEO of London Stock Exchange plc, added: “Last year demonstrated that the London Stock Exchange is increasingly becoming one of the top destinations for these companies and their founders to finance their visions and thrive.”
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