The IPO market is back. Montis VC’s op-ed in Parkiet

For years, IPOs lived mainly on the final slide of startup pitch decks, next to other possible exit scenarios. Now they are returning to a more serious conversation about how Europe can finance and scale its technology leaders. But a reopening IPO window does not mean that every company is ready to walk through it. Wojciech Szwankowski, Partner at Montis VC, explores this shift in a new op-ed published by Parkiet, Poland’s leading financial newspaper for stock market investors. It is another part of our work with Montis VC, supporting the fund through media relations and building the expert position of its partners and team in Poland and internationally. Recently, we also helped Michał Gawęda share his perspective on Europe’s energy future in an op-ed for EU-Startups.

The IPO market is reopening, but the bar is higher

The value of European IPOs increased by 76% year on year in the first half of 2026, reaching €7.2 billion. The market, however, remains selective. Investors are looking for mature businesses with repeatable performance, clearly defined metrics and a credible plan for using public capital.

For technology startups, an IPO changes the rules. Potential must become predictable, while R&D spending, long sales cycles and capital-intensive growth need to be clearly explained and supported by data. Growth alone is no longer enough. Companies must demonstrate where value is created and why the capital raised will strengthen their competitive advantage.

Public markets could finance Europe’s next deep tech leaders

The next generation of technology companies will not be built around SaaS alone. More startups are emerging at the intersection of AI, energy, industry and security. These businesses often require hardware, engineering infrastructure and manufacturing capacity, making the traditional asset-light venture capital model less suitable.

Public markets can therefore play a broader role than simply providing an exit for early investors. They can supply the capital required to turn proven technologies into major European and global companies. Without that path, businesses created in Central and Eastern Europe may mature elsewhere, taking their valuations, talent and future founders with them.

A PR agency for VC funds and investors

At Commly, we specialise in PR for VC funds, investors, startups and technology companies. Our team comes from the venture capital and startup ecosystem, so we understand that fund communications extend far beyond announcing a first close. They should build trust among founders, investors, partners and potential LPs, strengthen deal flow and clearly communicate the fund’s investment thesis.

In our work with Montis VC, we combine strategic communications, media relations and thought leadership. We help the fund’s partners contribute to the most important conversations around AI, the energy transition, industrial technology and European venture capital. This approach has already resulted in more than 35 media features, including over 15 international publications and six interviews and expert commentaries.

Read the full opinion piece in Parkiet.