Over the past year, Nasdaq has made several noteworthy changes to its listing standards, which directly affect companies planning to go public and those already trading on the exchange.

What this essentially means is: Nasdaq is raising the bar. The exchange wants newly listed companies to be better capitalized, more liquid, and less susceptible to volatility or trading irregularities. That’s where Gateway’s experienced investor relations team comes in.

IPO Proceeds Now Matter More

In April 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved a rule change requiring companies to meet minimum public float thresholds largely through capital raised in the IPO itself, not simply through previously issued shares.

In practical terms, companies must demonstrate real, new investor demand at the time of listing. A well-designed strategic investor relations plan helps management prepare for this by clearly communicating the company’s value story to the right audience and ensuring strong engagement ahead of the IPO.

Higher Liquidity Standards and More Discretion

Nasdaq has also proposed higher public float minimums and faster delisting timelines for companies that fall out of compliance. The exchange now has expanded authority to deny a listing even if a company technically meets the quantitative requirements, taking into account qualitative factors such as ownership concentration, governance structure, and trading risk.

What This Means for Issuers

Meeting the numbers alone is no longer enough. Companies must approach a listing with stronger capitalization, thoughtful shareholder distribution, and a compelling equity story that can attract durable institutional support.

This is where Gateway Group can help. Our investor relations team has decades of experience guiding companies through IPOs, uplistings, and ongoing compliance challenges. We excel in crafting equity stories that resonate with investors, helping management teams decide on a clear, compelling narrative, highlighting their unique value proposition and long-term growth potential.

By combining strategic communications with deep market knowledge, Gateway ensures companies are not only prepared to meet Nasdaq requirements but positioned to attract the right investors and build lasting market credibility.

Contact us to learn more about what it takes to go public.

‍