Upcoming London exchange targets established growth companies

Plans have been unveiled for a new international stock market based in London, designed exclusively for established growth companies.

The Global Growth Market aims to reverse a trend in which public markets have become less accessible for growing businesses, offering what it describes as a more favourable option for both companies and investors.

Market access

The new market will restrict entry to established enterprises with demonstrated and increasing revenues. Organisers say this approach is intended to reduce investor risk and create a strong pool of listed companies that are positioned for expansion. Companies seeking admission must already be generating significant revenue and exhibit clear potential for further growth.

The new market's mission is specifically to address what the founders see as decades of decline in the role of public markets for funding high-growth companies.To support companies through the listing process, the platform is set to simplify procedures associated with going public, reducing costs and reporting burdens. Its model also pledges to provide easier access to capital, allowing businesses to devote more time and resources to operations and expansion.

Funding structure

One focal point of the Global Growth Market is its Capital Partner Programme, which promises to be the cornerstone of half of every listed company's primary capital raise.

Instead of traditional fund management fees or carried interest, capital providers are to receive cornerstone fees. The aim is to provide investors an alternative to becoming limited partners in traditional venture funds, potentially changing the conventional relationships seen in venture capital markets.

Jon Prideaux, Chairman of the Global Growth Market, said the existing system had ceased to meet the needs of rapidly growing firms.

"Public markets stopped working for growth companies years ago. We're building a new market that brings both companies and capital back to the public markets - by offering a better deal to both," said Prideaux.

The company will be headquartered in London. It plans to take advantage of the capital's extensive network of brokers, analysts, advisers, and investors to float businesses valued at less than USD $5 billion. According to the founders, this valuation range is less served by markets such as Nasdaq, where mid-sized firms can struggle to attract attention and resources. 

Leadership team

The initiative is led by co-founders Jon Prideaux and Martin Graham. Prideaux is known for his work as Chief Executive at Boku, which was listed on the AIM market in 2017. Martin Graham, serving as Chief Executive of the new exchange, was formerly Director of Markets and Head of AIM.

The Global Growth Market is raising GBP £4 million in seed funding to cover its first year of operations, including regulatory approvals and necessary licensing with the Financial Conduct Authority. Trading on the new platform is expected to begin in 2026.