The Long Term Stock Exchange (LTSE) Fights For Survival. Does The World Need It?

A few years ago Lean Startup author and entrepreneur Eric Ries launched an ambitious idea to build a stock exchange that would exclusively include only companies that had demonstrated a commitment to long term thinking, as measured by business practices, investments and strategy. This idea of a Long Term Stock Exchange (LTSE) has struggled to catch on. Only a handful of companies considered it or listed, and years later there are only two companies now on the exchange, software firm Asana and recent addition ThredUp.

On the surface, it's surprising to see just how few of the companies that promote themselves as steadfastly devoted to building a better future have chosen to be listed on the exchange. What would it take to get the LTSE idea to catch on? More awareness seems the obvious answer.

If more long-term oriented companies knew of the LTSE and saw value in its offering then more companies would list. And if more investors knew of its existence, they might prioritize investing in LTSE companies, which would in turn drive more companies to list. Or maybe with the rapid growth of other programs such as the B Corporation certification, there simply isn't a need for an exchange like the LTSE.