My View on IPO Season from the NYSE Trading Floor
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| By Chris Graebe |
In the first six weeks of 2026, we saw some 65 companies IPO.
That compares to 31 in December and just 18 in November.
Those are just the startups and other companies that listed on a major, regulated exchange like the NYSE or Nasdaq.
On Friday, I had the privilege of being on the NYSE trading floor to celebrate one of those December IPOs.
The Starfighters Space (FJET) team invited me to help them ring the opening bell to celebrate their Dec. 18 IPO.
The excitement in that historic venue was palpable.
Not just because my Deal Hunters Alliance members had the opportunity to get into Starfighters before its IPO, while it was still private …
At a lower price than any other investor was able to pay for shares …
But with our very first IPO together behind us, we’re now getting ready to get into our next private Alpha Round deal.
Before it potentially goes public.
See how you can join them right here.
While there’s no guarantee that a private company will go public …
It’s clear that more companies have been making it to the IPO stage in the past few years.
In fact, expect 2026’s IPO action to exceed last year’s.
And I expect my Alliance members will see another IPO very soon. Possibly this quarter!
You might have missed our first IPO. But you can get ready for this boom in newly minted stock tickers, too.
And I’ll tell you exactly why at my upcoming “Spring 2026 Private Investment Summit” on Tuesday, March 3 at 2 p.m. Eastern.
It doesn’t cost a penny to attend my Summit. All I do is ask is that you click here to tell me you’re coming.
Till then, I put together a list of lessons learned from our first IPO experience with Starfighters.
Here are the top three …
Lesson 1: Understand the DRS Process
DRS stands for Direct Registration System.
This is what allows your shares to be registered directly in your name on the company’s books. That typically happens through a Transfer Agent.
When IPO day hits, you’ll need to move your shares from the DRS into a brokerage account. From there, you’ll be able to trade them.
Here’s how it plays out:
- You will receive an email from the Transfer Agent.
- You’ll access your account and retrieve your DRS statement. This contains the information your brokerage will need to accept your shares on your behalf.
- You’ll send that DRS statement to your broker. This will give them the authority to move your shares from the Transfer Agent into your account.
This part may feel confusing at first, but that’s normal.
When you do it once, it becomes much clearer.
This is universally the fastest part of the process.
Lesson 2: Be Choosy About Your Broker
This was one of the most noticeable lessons we learned with the recent IPO I participated in.
Where your shares end up can make a big difference in how quickly you can access them.
Each broker handles transfers differently.
- Some only need the DRS statement.
- Others may ask for additional information or require you to have some additional cash in that account.
- Some, like Robinhood, don’t accept DRS transfers at all.
I would strongly encourage you to contact your broker now to see what you may need to do before any IPO day arrives.
This way, you’ll be ready to go as soon as possible.
Alternately, you may decide to open a new account just for your IPO exit shares.
Lesson 3: Brace for Some Shock to the System
When a stock first hits the market, there can be volatility.
In fact, there typically is, thanks to all the moving parts.
Think about it. A single IPO is built on multiple moving parts, including …
- The Nasdaq or NYSE systems, wherever the stock will be listed.
- IPO allocation mechanics.
- Brokers releasing shares.
- Limited liquidity (trading volume) early on.
Even when everything goes right, it can absolutely feel like a shock to the system.
The key? Patience.
Finally, Enjoy the Moment
Being part of an IPO is rare.
Most investors will never — in their lifetime — experience going from private shareholder to public liquidity in a matter of days.
It can be exciting.
It can be stressful.
It can be emotional.
It’ll likely be all the above and more. As it should be.
These are the moments that remind us why we do this.
So don’t forget to take a moment. Lean in. And enjoy the reward of your hard work and patience.
If you want to see what I have cooking for my Deal Hunter Alliance readers next, you’ll need to attend my special event in just one week.
For details — and your chance to get in before public traders — grab your spot here.
Happy hunting,
Chris Graebe
