Markets Mindset: Q1 2026 Equity Capital Markets: The Return of IPOs

Equity capital markets are off to a strong start in 2026, with IPO activity accelerating after several years of subdued issuance. Early momentum, improving performance and a growing pipeline across sectors are setting the stage for a potentially robust year ahead.But as financial sponsors return to the market and a new wave of mega-cap and SMID-cap IPOs line up, is there sufficient demand across the public markets to absorb deals of all sizes?In this episode of Markets Mindset, Mizuho’s Head of Equity Capital Markets, Josh Weismer, is joined by Managing Director in Equity Capital Markets, Richard Soto to discuss the state of the IPO market, the strength of the global technology, media and telecom (TMT) pipeline and what’s driving renewed confidence among issuers and investors alike.They share perspectives on sponsor-backed IPOs, the mechanics of executing very large public offerings and the growing breadth of sector participation, from TMT and industrials to biotech. The conversation also explores how institutional investors are positioning to put capital to work as market conditions evolve.Hear our experts outline what to expect across the IPO market in 2026, and what this next phase of equity capital markets activity could mean for companies considering a path to the public markets.