What is being offered
Next month, SmartNews Inc. aims to raise ¥11.2 billion through a Tokyo IPO. A Thursday filing states the founder and current investors intend to sell 8.1 million shares, with a price guide of ¥1,390 per share.
At that guide, the implied market value is about ¥43.1 billion. That compares with roughly ¥219 billion in its 2021 F series funding, putting the prospective IPO valuation about 80% lower.
Deal mechanics and banks
Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities Co. and Nomura Holdings Inc. are underwriting the sale. The order book is slated to open Nov. 30, pricing is expected on Dec. 7, and the shares are set to begin trading on Dec. 15.
Bloomberg News previously reported the company had targeted about ¥50 billion for the IPO after pursuing a trade sale and failing to secure a buyer. The valuation may still move during the process, as some issuers start with conservative price indications.
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Why it matters for markets and your portfolio
Founded in 2012, SmartNews built a following in the US and Japan and became one of Japan's few unicorns. As more readers use AI tools as their on-ramp to news, though, its earlier valuation goals have been tougher to defend, widening the gap between past private marks and what public investors will pay now.
Even so, this float could add some momentum to Japan's IPO calendar after deals fell to a 13-year low. Activity slowed as the exchange effectively tightened the listing window for smaller companies following criticism of their post-IPO performance. Another name on deck for December is NOTA Inc., a luxury villa operator backed by Hillhouse Investment Management Ltd.
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