Roaring AI-Linked Debuts Drive Demand for Pre-IPO Shares

Group 1 - A surge in interest for private companies is driven by successful initial public offerings (IPOs), particularly in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector [1][4] - Platforms for accredited investors are experiencing increased inquiries and trades related to pre-IPO companies, following notable gains from AI-related firms like CoreWeave Inc. and Figma Inc. [1][2] - The trading volume on private secondary markets, such as EquityZen Securities, more than doubled in Q3 compared to the previous year, indicating heightened investor interest [2] Group 2 - The number of publicly listed companies in the US has halved since 2000, while private, venture capital-backed companies have increased 25 times, highlighting a shift in the market landscape [5] - The value of private capital assets has grown to $22 trillion in 2024, more than doubling since 2012, reflecting the increasing importance of private markets [5] - AI-related firms are among the most sought-after on platforms like EquityZen, with investor appetite rising for both AI-native startups and established software firms integrating AI [6][7]