# Metadata Source URL:: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_public_offering Topics:: #business --- # Direct public offering - Wikipedia A direct public offering (DPO) or direct listing[disputed  – discuss] is a method by which a company can offer an investment opportunity directly to the public. ## Highlights > [!quote]+ Updated on 250123_183145 > > A DPO is similar to an initial public offering (IPO) in that securities, such as stock or debt, are sold to investors. But unlike an IPO, a company uses a DPO to raise capital directly and without a "firm underwriting" from an investment banking firm or broker-dealer. A DPO may have a sponsoring FINRA broker, but the broker does not guarantee full subscription of the offering. In a DPO, the broker merely assures compliance with all applicable securities laws and assists with organizing the offering. Following compliance with federal and state securities laws, a company can sell its shares directly to anyone, even non-accredited investors, including customers, employees, suppliers, distributors, family, friends, and others.