Yes! Having an institutional investor base is important but it gives too much power to a few investors. The value of the retail investor is:
- Diversification: Large shareholders have too much power. Many smaller investors provide diversification and allow you to maintain control over your business.
- Liquidity: Having many active investors provides valuable liquidity to a stock that makes it more attractive.
- Early adopters: Retail investors are early adopters of stocks and sectors so normally become customer and brand advocates, helping to boost the business.