Learn about IPOs with iMinds Money's insightful fast knowledge series.

IPOs or Initial Public Offerings are the sale of a company's equity to the public for the first time. By "going public", a private company can be invested in by anyone on a stock exchange. Companies commonly "go public to" either to raise capital or to increase the company's liquidity. Previously, IPOs were limited to long established, large private firms. During the Dot Com Bubble of the 1990s however, they became a common method for raising capital by younger and smaller companies.

A private company may wish to go public to raise capital for growth. This growth may involve expanding a customer based, investing in infrastructure or research or any other number activities. To fund this growth, a company can either seek private investment or list their company on the stock market. Another reason for a company to go public is to increase its liquidity. By creating a market price for shares, a company can then offer stock options to attract and retain employees. This stock can also become part of merger or acquisition deals. A company can also raise its profile by going public and enjoy some prestige from being listed on a stock exchange.

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