Q1 ’05 Venture-Backed IPOs

The venture-capital backed IPO market slowed in the first quarter of 2005 with only 10 companies raising $720.7 million compared to over 20 companies and over $1 billion in the previous three quarters. While the first quarter is typically slower, this decrease may suggest companies are considering alternative exit strategies due to regulatory hurdles and demands of the public market. The technology sector had the two largest IPOs while the life sciences sector also saw five companies go public. Overall 56% of companies that went public in the last 12 months are currently trading above their IPO price.