
Economist Podcasts This market went a little piggy: a capital-raising frenzy
Dec 16, 2020
Jan Podrowski, Business editor at The Economist, delves into an unprecedented surge in capital-raising activities, showcasing how companies like Airbnb and DoorDash thrived during the pandemic. He discusses the implications of this cash influx and contrasts the fortunes of major firms. The podcast also highlights the struggles of informal waste pickers in Lusaka, emphasizing their vital role in waste management despite dire working conditions. Additionally, advanced acoustic technologies for naval security are examined, raising ethical considerations and the complexities of their applications.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Carnival Cruise Lines Loan
- Carnival Cruise Lines secured a multi-billion dollar loan in April 2020, despite the industry shutdown.
- This surprisingly successful deal sparked a capital market resurgence.
Record Capital Raising
- 2020 was a record year for capital raising, with non-financial firms raising $3.6 trillion.
- Secondary stock sales and tech IPOs also reached near all-time highs.
Pandemic Winners
- Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Netflix benefited from pandemic lockdowns.
- This strengthened their positions and contributed to the market surge.

