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🌍 US & Europe · Exits & dealsSecondary offering (public)
Also called: follow-on offering
In one line
A sale of shares to the public after the IPO — either new shares from the company or existing shares from insiders.
In plain English
Once public, a company or its insiders can sell more shares in a follow-on offering. For employees, it can be a structured chance to sell a block after the lock-up.
If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old
After the shop's opening, there's another organised sale day where more toys — old or new — are put on the shelves.
Why it matters when you sell
Post-IPO, a secondary offering can be a way to sell a larger holding in an orderly way rather than piecemeal.
Related terms
Put it to use
When you're ready to go deeper, there's an optional Equity Toolkit and Report.
Sources
Primary references for this term: US SEC / Investor.gov. Our definitions are written in plain English and kept evergreen — see the glossary methodology. General information, not advice.
Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Definitions are general; your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.