In a recent article for The Deal, Debevoise partner Morgan J. Hayes discusses expectations for 2019 IPOs. “The trend line has been going in the right direction. There seems to be a backlog of companies waiting for the right window,” Mr. Hayes said. “2019 should see its fair share of IPOS.”

Additionally, Mr. Hayes notes a growing interest in direct listing IPOs. “For venture capital-backed companies, it could be an option on the table when they're considering what they should do," Mr. Hayes noted. "It's less likely for private equity-backed companies with leverage because they usually rely on IPO proceeds to pay down debt. But it's another option for companies—especially large, well-funded companies, whose primary goal is liquidity as opposed to a strict capital raise."

Rumblings of Unicorn Stampede to Market Start to Appear
By Steve Gelsi
February 13, 2019