IPO Peer Effects

Abstract This study investigates whether a private firm’s decision to go public affects the IPO decisions of its competitors. Using detailed data from the drug development industry, we identify a private firm’s direct competitors at a precise level through a novel approach using similarity in drug development projects based on disease targets. The analysis shows that a private firm is significantly more likely to go public after observing the recent IPO of a direct competitor, and this effect is distinct from “hot” market effects or other common shocks. Furthermore, our effects are centered on firms that operate in more competitive areas. We additionally explore peer effects in private firm funding propensities more broadly, such as through venture capital or being acquired, and find results consistent with a competitive channel.