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NASDAQ exchange illustration
Stock Exchange·North America

NASDAQ

The exchange most associated with technology listings, founded as the world's first electronic marketplace.

Headquarters
New York, United States
Region
North America
Market Focus
Technology & Growth

Overview

NASDAQ launched in 1971 as the first electronic stock market, replacing the physical trading floor with a computerised quotation system. That origin shaped its identity: it became the natural home for technology companies, and remains the listing venue most closely associated with the sector.

It operates a tiered structure, with different listing standards depending on a company's size and financial profile.

Known For

  • Technology, software, and internet companies
  • Biotechnology and life sciences listings
  • Fully electronic, market-maker driven trading
  • Tiered listing standards accommodating smaller growth companies

Listing Considerations

  • Multiple market tiers mean listing standards vary considerably by tier
  • Strong analyst and institutional coverage in technology sectors
  • Peer group is heavily technology-weighted, which shapes comparisons and valuation
  • Requires compliance with US securities law and ongoing SEC reporting

Key Facts

Founded
1971
Operator
Nasdaq, Inc.
Regulator
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Main Index
Nasdaq Composite, Nasdaq-100
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Trading Hours
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday
Market Segments
Global Select Market, Global Market, Capital Market
Official website →

Listing Requirements

  • Three tiers with separate standards: Global Select Market, Global Market and Capital Market
  • Minimum bid price of $4.00 at listing
  • Capital Market: at least 1 million unrestricted publicly held shares and 300 round lot holders
  • Capital Market equity standard: stockholders' equity of at least $5 million and two years of operating history
  • Market value of unrestricted publicly held shares of at least $15 million; for IPOs this must come from the offering itself (tightened in 2025–2026)
Headline initial listing requirements from Nasdaq's Listing Rules, checked November 2026. Rules change often; confirm with the exchange before applying.
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