Amplitude stock skyrockets in software company’s public debut as a direct listing; traditional IPOs are ‘outdated’, says CEO
Shares of Amplitude Inc. climbed significantly above their benchmark price on Tuesday after the software company debuted on the stock exchange via a direct listing.
Amplitude AMPL,
shares opened to $ 50, 43% above the Nasdaq benchmark price of $ 35, then rose from there to a recent $ 54.17. Because the company did not hold a traditional initial public offering, it did not raise funds as part of the IPO process.
CEO Spenser Skates called traditional IPOs “run down” in an interview with MarketWatch, saying companies that take this route often end up undervaluing their stocks. Skates said Amplitude is “very well prepared for the future” with the money it currently has, which can be used for future investments in the business.
Amplitude makes software that helps businesses do what the company calls “digital optimization”. Companies with digital footprints have complex applications and platforms and are increasingly interested in learning more about consumer behavior in their online businesses, according to Skates. The aim is to provide useful information on “what features people use, what they like and where they are blocked”, among other things, he continued.
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An Amplitude customer, Peloton Interactive Inc. PTON,
used the company’s tools to help determine that clients are more likely to engage in future workouts if they have been involved in social interactions through the Peloton platform, Skates said. This prompted the exercise company to incorporate more social features into their product. He also gave the example of the Calm meditation app, which used Amplitude to identify clients’ strong interest in regular mindfulness reminders, and then reorient its app to highlight the reminders.
Skates argued that Amplitude’s software provides a “Moneyball-like approach to apps and websites the same way baseball has been totally transformed by data and statistics.”
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The company generated revenue of $ 72.4 million in the first six months of 2021, compared to $ 46.0 million in the first six months of 2020. Amplitude recorded a net loss of 16, $ 5 million for the first six months of 2021, almost on par with his loss of $ 16.6. million in the first six months of 2020.
Skates said Amplitude has focused on being “very effective as a business,” but that the company will also continue to invest in growth opportunities as it views the technology market as well. digital optimization as relatively nascent. Amplitude works with 26 Fortune 100 companies and Skates plans to expand relationships with current customers as well as recruit new customers.
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Amplitude isn’t the only company doing a direct quote this week. Warby Parker, the company known for its affordable eyewear sold online, is forecasting a direct listing on Wednesday at an estimated market value of nearly $ 3 billion, according to Renaissance Capital, a provider of institutional research and IPO exchange-traded funds.
Also: Warby Parker’s IPO: 5 things to know about the affordable eyewear before its direct listing
The IPO schedule is relatively calm this week with just four more deals underway from hair care brand Olaplex Holdings, Singapore-based technology services provider TDCX TDCX,
investment management software company Allvue Systems Holdings ALVU
and First Watch Restaurant Group FWRG.
Amplitude’s direct listing occurs during the IPO of the Renaissance IPO ETF,
has grown 25% in the past 12 months as an S&P 500 SPX,
gained 30%.
