The fundamental definition of capitalism provides opportunity in the form of wealth to those who make certain investments. Despite some of their practices coming under scrutiny, investment banks have long played a crucial part to the US economy, and especially to capitalism. Investment banks have provided capital raising services to companies in search of capital to expand by acting as a middleman between entrepreneurship and public investors. One drawback to investment banks engaging in capital raising is that they pertain large fees, and at times high risk to their clients. Recently, a new form of capital raising called “direct listing” will eliminate the need for underwriters and allow firms to go immediately to the New York Stock Exchange, receiving capital from the public directly. But, this newly added capital raising program poses a major threat to many investment banks.