Aquis Stock Exchange and Barclays Eagle Labs have launched a new initiative designed to help UK companies prepare for public listings, called the Aquis IPO Academy.
The programme, unveiled today, is described as the only UK public markets readiness initiative led by a stock exchange. It is intended as a long-term effort to support the country’s growth economy at a time when many scaling businesses are evaluating funding options. The Academy aims to encourage IPO activity while addressing misconceptions and knowledge gaps surrounding access to public markets.
The initiative is open to growth-stage UK businesses across sectors, with particular attention given to technology-enabled firms. Organisers have also set a target for half of the participants to be female-founded companies. The first cohort is expected to begin the programme in September 2026.
The new academy reflects collaboration between Aquis, the UK’s challenger exchange, and Barclays Eagle Labs, one of the country’s largest networks supporting startup and scale-up businesses. The programme will provide companies with guidance, resources and access to investors to help them better understand the IPO process and evaluate public markets as a pathway to long-term expansion.
The launch comes as IPO activity in the UK has slowed since peaking in 2021. Research conducted by Aquis, Barclays and Beauhurst suggests that while the UK continues to produce strong entrepreneurial talent, many companies do not pursue a stock market listing as they scale. The Academy aims to close this gap by offering practical training and support to businesses considering public markets.
The programme will also draw on expertise from SIX Group, which acquired Aquis in 2025, combining experience from Swiss and European IPO training models with the UK’s scale-up ecosystem.
Participants in the six-month programme will receive mentoring and advice covering areas such as finance, corporate governance and regulation. They will also gain access to investor networks, support in refining investor presentations and a structured pathway toward listing on AQSE’s market segments, including discounted admission fees and pre-eligibility assistance.
David Stevens, CEO of Aquis Exchange, said: “Aquis Stock Exchange has become the home of growth companies seeking scale up capital. The UK has no shortage of ambition or entrepreneurial talent, and by providing earlier engagement, targeted education and practical support, we can help more of these high potential businesses successfully navigate their next stage of growth and remain here in the UK. The Aquis IPO Academy in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs sets out to do just that. It is an investment in the future of UK capital markets, creating tomorrow’s success stories and acting as a long-term engine for small-cap markets.”
Abdul Qureshi, Head of Barclays Business Bank, added: “Barclays Eagle Labs works with thousands of high-growth businesses across the UK, many of which are beginning to think seriously about long-term funding and growth options. The journey from private to public markets is one of the most powerful engines of innovation and growth, but what we’re seeing is that too many promising UK businesses are struggling to access the knowledge, networks and capital needed to take that step confidently here in the UK.
The Academy will give founders the insight, support and network to navigate the public markets journey, while helping to strengthen the UK’s growth ecosystem for the long term. We’re delighted to be partnering with Aquis Stock Exchange to deliver this programme designed around genuine scale up need, which aligns with our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting ambitious founders to scale from idea to IPO.”
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