Limbering up for listings

2021 is tipped to be a bumper year for stock market floats, with tech start-ups queuing for cash. Jill Treanor profiles five contenders
Darktrace chief executive Poppy Gustafsson
Darktrace chief executive Poppy Gustafsson
TOM STOCKILL

Bootmaker Dr Martens and internet card company Moonpig have kicked off what bankers believe will be a busy year for initial public offerings (IPOs), or stock market floats. Companies in sectors such as finance, online services and tech, along with other areas that have thrived in the pandemic, are expected to dominate. Little wonder that one prime candidate is Deliveroo, founded in London in 2013 by Will Shu, 41. It has given the clearest indication of its intention to float with a fundraising round valuing the home delivery business at $7bn (£5bn). No doubt Deliveroo will be hoping for a reception similar to that received by rival DoorDash in the US, which roared almost 80% on its debut to reach $60bn.

Deliveroo founder Will Shu
Deliveroo founder Will Shu
JACK HILLJACK HILL

The latest fundraising