Raised 2.4 Trillion Won in Public Offering... Slight Decrease Compared to Previous Year
The Korea Exchange announced on the 26th that among the 128 companies newly listed on the KOSDAQ market this year, 42 companies were listed through the technology growth special case, marking the highest record since the introduction of the special case system.
The number of companies newly listed on the KOSDAQ market this year was 128, which is slightly lower than last year's record high of 132. Among them, excluding SPACs (40 companies), 88 companies raised funds through KOSDAQ listings this year.
The total amount raised through public offerings by companies listed on KOSDAQ this year was 2.4 trillion KRW, showing a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The Exchange explained that the decrease in the number of newly listed companies was due to significant domestic and international uncertainties, such as the U.S. presidential election.
By industry, biotech companies were the most numerous with 21 companies, followed by machinery and equipment (11 companies), software (9 companies), electrical and electronics (9 companies), precision instruments (7 companies), and semiconductors (6 companies).
By type, general companies accounted for 46, technology growth special case companies for 42, and SPACs for 40.
The number of technology growth special case companies is the highest since the system was introduced in 2005. Among biotech companies listed through the technology special case, 16 were biotech firms, including 7 medical device manufacturers and 4 new drug development companies.
Among non-biotech companies, 17 companies in materials, parts, and equipment, and 5 software companies were listed through the technology special case.
Merger listings through SPAC liquidation reached 16, marking the highest since the approval of merger listings in 2021.
An official from the Exchange stated, "Despite the worsening business environment this year due to high interest rates and economic slowdown, the KOSDAQ market has served as an important funding channel for small and venture companies with technological capabilities and growth potential. The Exchange will continue to actively promote the discovery and listing of promising small and venture companies that will lead innovation and advanced industries in the Korean economy. Efforts to enhance market value and protect investors will also continue."
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