Going public used to be about numbers. Now? It’s also about narrative.
Welcome to the age where IPOs don’t just hit the stock exchange trend on TikTok, dominate Twitter threads, and spark Reddit wars. If you’re thinking Wall Street and Instagram have nothing in common, think again. In 2025, the way a company tells its story might just be as important as the financials behind it.
Let’s unpack what modern IPOs can learn from the influencer playbook—and why storytelling, authenticity, and hype-building now matter more than ever.
1. The Pre-IPO Hype Is the New Content Tease
Just like influencers tease a big collab or product drop, companies now build anticipation long before their IPO. Think “coming soon” but for investors.
Take companies like Reddit or Stripe—their IPO rumours have sparked months of buzz, memes, and speculation. Leaks, soft announcements, and carefully placed interviews now serve as trailers to the main event.
Lesson: Just like influencers prime their audience before a launch, companies should invest in thoughtful pre-IPO storytelling—not just press releases, but emotional build-up and social listening.
2. Authenticity > Hype: Founders Are the New Influencers
Investors aren’t just looking at earnings; they’re watching the CEO’s podcast appearances, LinkedIn posts, and TED talks. Founders are now part of the brand, sometimes bigger than the brand.
Example: When Bumble went public, founder Whitney Wolfe Herd didn’t just ring the bell—she made headlines as the youngest woman to take a company public. Her story became the story. And guess what? Investors noticed.
Lesson: Be real. Be human. Founders should communicate with vulnerability and vision—not just corporate jargon.
3. Investor = Follower = Brand Advocate
The average IPO investor today might be a 27-year-old with a Robinhood app, not a Wall Street broker. These retail investors follow, comment, like, and share.
Companies like GameStop showed how retail sentiment can drive valuation in unpredictable ways. IPOs that resonate with the online community often gain cult followings—and loyalty.
Lesson: Treat investors like a community, not a transaction. Build trust, engage regularly, and show up on platforms where younger investors live (yes, even TikTok).
4. Clean Aesthetic, Clear Values
Aesthetics matter—especially to digitally native generations. Just as influencers curate their feed, IPO-bound companies now curate their brand identity. Everything from pitch decks to prospectuses gets the glow-up treatment.
But it’s not just looks—values are front and center. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is no longer a buzzword. Investors want to know what a company stands for, not just what it sells.
Lesson: Design matters. Values matter more. A good IPO brand knows how to balance the two with clarity and cohesion.
Final Thought: From Bellringing to Brand-Building
In a world where memes move markets and founders become household names, going public is no longer just a financial event, it’s a cultural moment.
So, if your company’s eyeing an IPO, take note from your favorite creators: build a narrative, show your face, and never underestimate the power of community.
Also read: What Wall Street Really Looks for in an IPO Prospect