Public.com

High-Level Overview

Public.com is a fintech technology company that operates an online investing platform, enabling commission-free fractional trading of stocks, ETFs, bonds, treasuries, crypto, and more.[1][2][5] Founded in 2019 and headquartered in New York City, it serves individual retail investors—particularly beginners and younger users—by solving barriers to entry like high share prices and lack of transparency through affordable, user-friendly tools and a social community layer.[1][2][6] Its mission is to "give people every opportunity to grow their wealth" and make public markets accessible to all, with features like AI-powered insights (Alpha, launched 2023), high-yield cash accounts (4.1% APY as of early 2025), and safety measures such as trading halts on risky assets.[2][3][6] The platform has shown growth via $310 million in venture funding from firms like Accel, Greycroft, Tiger Global, and Lakestar, plus celebrity backers like Zoe Saldana and Tony Hawk.[1][5]

Origin Story

Public.com was founded in 2019 by Jannick Malling and Leif Abraham, who serve as co-CEOs, under Public Holdings, Inc., with its broker-dealer arm Open to the Public Investing, Inc.[5] The duo launched the platform to pioneer commission-free, real-time fractional investing, allowing users to buy "slices" of stocks and diversify without large capital outlays—prompting competitors like Robinhood to follow.[1][2] Early traction came from its mobile-first design and social features, differentiating it from traditional brokerages, while pivoting to multi-asset class expansion amid rising retail investing interest post-2019.[1][6] Key milestones include crypto trading in 2021, bonds and AI research tool Alpha in 2023, and high-yield cash accounts in late 2023, building on initial seed funding to reach $310 million raised.[2][3][5]

Core Differentiators

• Fractional and Multi-Asset Investing: First to offer commission-free fractional shares in real-time (2019), now expanded to stocks, ETFs, options, crypto, corporate/Treasury/municipal bonds, and alternatives—all in one app for easy diversification.[1][2][3]
• Social and Community Features: Unique "social layer" lets users share investment rationales, follow others, and discuss decisions, breaking psychological barriers for new investors while fostering a welcoming, human-centered experience.[6]
• Investor Protection and Tools: Safety labels for risky stocks, trading halts (e.g., on Hertz during bankruptcy), up to $5M FDIC insurance via partner banks, and AI-driven Alpha (GPT-4 powered) for real-time insights.[2][3][6]
• User-Friendly Accessibility: Mobile/web platform with intuitive design, no traditional banking but high-yield cash (4.1% APY), transparent ownership, and low barriers for 18+ users of all backgrounds.[1][3][6]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Public.com rides the fintech democratization wave, fueled by mobile apps, meme stock frenzies (e.g., post-2021), and retail investor surge among millennials/Gen Z seeking alternatives to opaque Wall Street models.[1][6] Its timing capitalized on zero-commission trading shifts and crypto mainstreaming, positioning it against incumbents like Robinhood while influencing ecosystem norms—popularizing social investing and fractional shares to lower entry barriers.[1][2] Market forces like rising interest in fixed income (bonds launch 2023), AI tools for personalization, and regulatory scrutiny on safety favor its transparent, protective approach, amplifying retail participation and pressuring traditional brokerages to digitize.[3][6]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Public.com stands out by blending investing with social discovery, poised to expand into more assets (e.g., upcoming opportunities teased) and deepen AI/community integrations amid AI-driven finance trends.[2] Regulatory tailwinds for retail protections and potential rate cuts could boost its cash/high-yield appeal, while scaling its network may evolve it into a full-spectrum wealth platform influencing how younger generations engage markets.[3][6] As fintech matures, expect Public to solidify as a community hub, tying back to its origins in making markets inclusive for everyday wealth-builders.[1][2]