Seventeen major retailers have filed for IPOs so far this year. Managing Partner Matt Katz contributed to Retail Dive article, “17 Retailers Have Filed for IPOs in 2021. What Does That Say About the Industry?” looking at the many factors that have made 2021 an ideal environment for retailers to go public.

Matt explains what is different about the current environment that has motivated so many retailers to file this year, “One of the largest drivers is access. Historically, IPOs have been sacred opportunities for large wealthy investors and businesses. And today … there’s a low bar to get access to the IPO market.”

He explains how retail companies generally have additional success with investors because they can connect with them stating, “They can put their arms around it. It’s more than a P&L and balance sheet to them. It’s an affinity, it’s a connection, it’s an understanding.” 

On top of all of these factors, ESG-minded investors have contributed to the success of like-minded companies seeking IPOs this year. Matt explains, “In this world of heightened awareness and focus on ESG — that is going to be increasingly important and critical for companies to be able to address and monetize and measure.”

Read the full article here.