The American Express-backed eyewear retailer's market capitalisation exceeded $6.1bn in the wake of its direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Warby Parker, the US-headquartered eyewear retailer backed by payment services firm American Express, went public yesterday in a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

The company set a reference price of $40.00 for its shares, which opened at $54.05 and closed at $54.49, equating to a market capitalisation just over $6.1bn. No new shares were issued and none of its largest shareholders have disclosed sales.

Founded in 2010, Warby Parker sells eyewear both through its online platform and…

Robert Lavine

Robert Lavine is special features editor for Global Venturing.