Spotify's Unusual Public Listing Could Change the IPO Game
Spotify officially filed for a $1 billion public listing, planning an unusual direct listing instead of a traditional IPO. Dan Primack, Business Editor at Axios, joined Cheddar to explain how a successful listing could change how high-profile tech companies go public.
Primack explained his biggest takeaway is that there are no lock-ups on any investors or shareholders other than Tencent. This means almost all venture capitalists and employees can dump the stock as soon as Spotify goes public. Primack said this is important because it could cause crazy volatility like "we've never seen before."
One of Spotify's major challenges is that it bleeds money. The Swedish company lost nearly $1.5 billion last year. On the other hand, Spotify revealed robust growth with its 159 million users and 71 million premium subscribers. Despite extraordinary growth, Primack noted that it's hard to ignore the losses. Primack said this, along with competition from Amazon, Apple, and Pandora, will be a major challenge for the music streamer.
Ty Young, CEO of Ty J. Young Wealth Management, joins Cheddar to discuss Trump's moves as he returns to Washington D.C. and how it may affect the U.S. economy.
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.