Class of 2018: Companies that Had Their IPO in 2018

The year 2018 was an exciting time for the stock market, with several high-profile companies making their public debut. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and review the most promising companies that had their IPO in 2018. We will also discuss some of the most successful IPOs in history, providing insights into the factors that contributed to their success.

The year 2018 saw a diverse range of companies entering the public market in the United States, spanning various industries such as technology, real estate, and consumer goods. Some of the most notable companies that went public in 2018 include:

• Spotify: The popular music streaming service made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in April 2018, using a unique direct listing process that bypassed the traditional underwriting process.

• Dropbox: The cloud storage and file sharing company launched its IPO in March 2018, raising over $750 million in the process.

• DocuSign: This electronic signature and digital transaction management company went public in April 2018, with shares soaring more than 30% on their first day of trading.

• Eventbrite: The event management and ticketing platform made its debut on the NYSE in September 2018, raising $230 million in its IPO.

• Zscaler: This cloud-based cybersecurity company went public in March 2018 and saw its share price double in just a few months.

While these companies represent just a fraction of the many businesses that went public in 2018, they stand out as some of the most promising and innovative players in their respective industries.

It's worth noting that prior to 2018, several other high-profile companies went public in 2017, including Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, and Blue Apron, the meal-kit delivery service.

Join 100,000+ other business enthusiasts

Sign up for Edge, our free weekly newsletter.

• Sign up

There have been many successful IPOs over the years, but some stand out as particularly noteworthy. One such example is the IPO of Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce giant. In September 2014, Alibaba raised $25 billion in its initial public offering, making it the largest IPO in history at the time. The company's shares soared on their first day of trading, and Alibaba has since become one of the most valuable companies in the world. Learn more about their IPO in the 2014 review.

Another notable IPO is that of Google (now Alphabet Inc.) in 2004. The search engine giant raised $1.9 billion in its public offering, and its share price has since grown exponentially, making it one of the most successful IPOs in history.

Several factors contribute to the success of an IPO, including:

1. Strong financial performance: Companies with a solid track record of revenue growth and profitability are often more attractive to investors, leading to higher demand for their shares during an IPO.

2. Market conditions: A favorable stock market environment, with strong investor sentiment and low interest rates, can help boost demand for IPO shares.

3. Effective pricing: Pricing an IPO correctly is crucial to its success. If a company's shares are priced too high, it may struggle to attract investors, whereas if they are priced too low, the company may leave money on the table.

4. Positive brand perception: Companies with a strong brand presence and a positive reputation are often more successful in their IPOs, as investors are more likely to have confidence in their long-term prospects.

5. Effective underwriting and marketing: The role of underwriters and investment banks in the IPO process is crucial. They help with pricing, marketing, and distributing the shares to investors, which can significantly impact the success of the IPO.

6. Timing: The timing of an IPO can be critical. Companies that go public when there is high demand for their product or service, or when there is significant interest in their industry, are more likely to have a successful IPO.

7. Strong management team: A company with an experienced and capable management team is often more attractive to investors, as they can inspire confidence in the company's ability to execute its growth strategy and navigate challenges.

The class of 2018 featured several promising companies that had their IPOs, representing various industries and sectors. Many factors contribute to a successful IPO, including strong financial performance, market conditions, effective pricing, and a solid management team.