Companies that had their IPO in 2014, listed

The year 2014 was marked by significant global events and developments. It began with the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia and saw the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa, which raised global health concerns. In Ukraine, protests and unrest led to the annexation of Crimea by Russia, escalating tensions between Russia and Western countries.

In the Middle East, the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) became a major international concern, leading to military interventions in Iraq and Syria. The conflict in Syria continued to worsen, causing a humanitarian crisis with millions of refugees.

On the economic front, the global economy showed signs of recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, although challenges remained. In the tech world, Apple released the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, while Alibaba’s record-breaking IPO became a defining moment in the business world.

In entertainment, “Frozen” became a cultural phenomenon, and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral, raising awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research.

2014 also featured notable scientific achievements, such as the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission successfully landing a probe on a comet.

The year 2014 saw several significant initial public offerings (IPOs) in the business world. While the ranking of the largest IPOs can change over time due to market fluctuations and subsequent events, here are ten of the biggest IPOs in 2014:

Alibaba Group Holding Limited IPO

The Alibaba Group Holdings Limited initial public offering (IPO) was one of the most highly anticipated and significant IPOs in financial history. It took place on September 19, 2014, and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “BABA.”

Alibaba is a Chinese e-commerce and technology conglomerate founded by Jack Ma. The IPO raised over $25 billion, making it the largest IPO in history at the time, surpassing the previous record set by Visa in 2008.

Investor interest in the Alibaba IPO was immense due to the company’s dominant position in the Chinese e-commerce market, its strong revenue growth, and its diverse range of businesses, which include e-commerce platforms like Taobao and Tmall, cloud computing, digital payments through Alipay, and more.

The IPO allowed Alibaba to access significant capital, fueling its expansion and investments in various sectors and international markets. It also made Jack Ma and other early investors incredibly wealthy.

Alibaba’s IPO had a profound impact on the technology and e-commerce industries, and it served as a symbol of China’s growing influence in the global economy. The company’s shares have been actively traded on the NYSE since the IPO, and Alibaba has continued to grow and diversify its businesses in the years that followed

GrubHub IPO

The GrubHub IPO was a significant event in the tech and food delivery industry. GrubHub, an online and mobile food delivery and ordering platform, went public with its initial public offering (IPO) in April 2014.

The IPO allowed GrubHub to raise capital to expand its services and solidify its position in the competitive food delivery market. GrubHub’s platform connects customers with local restaurants, enabling them to order food for delivery or pickup through a convenient online interface.

The IPO marked a key moment in the growth of the on-demand food delivery industry, showcasing the increasing demand for online food ordering and delivery services. GrubHub’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “GRUB” garnered attention from investors and tech enthusiasts.

Following the IPO, GrubHub continued to grow and expand its presence through mergers and acquisitions, including its merger with Seamless in 2013. The company also faced competition from other food delivery platforms in the years that followed, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry.

Overall, the GrubHub IPO was a notable milestone in the evolution of food delivery services and the tech sector, demonstrating the changing consumer preferences and the rise of online and mobile ordering platforms.

GoPro IPO

The GoPro IPO was a significant financial event in the technology and consumer electronics industry. In June 2014, GoPro, a company known for its action cameras, went public with its initial public offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol “GPRO.”

GoPro’s IPO generated substantial interest from investors and consumers alike due to the company’s innovative and rugged cameras that allowed users to capture adventurous and action-packed moments. The company’s cameras had gained popularity among sports enthusiasts, adventurers, and content creators.

The IPO raised approximately $427 million, valuing GoPro at several billion dollars. This provided the company with the capital needed to expand its product offerings and invest in research and development.

GoPro’s IPO also highlighted the growing trend of user-generated content and the impact of action cameras on the way people capture and share their experiences. The company continued to develop and release new camera models, drones, and other related products in the years following the IPO.

However, GoPro faced challenges as competition in the action camera market increased, and the company diversified its product line to include drones and other hardware. Despite these challenges, the GoPro IPO remains a notable event that marked the company’s transition from a private startup to a publicly traded company in the consumer technology sector.

ZenDesk IPO

In May 2014, Zendesk, a software company specializing in customer service and engagement solutions, went public with its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “ZEN.”

The IPO allowed Zendesk to raise capital to further develop its customer service software platform and expand its market presence. Zendesk’s software offered businesses a streamlined way to manage customer interactions, support requests, and feedback.

The company’s IPO garnered attention from investors and highlighted the growing importance of customer-centric technologies in the business world. Zendesk’s user-friendly platform appealed to businesses seeking to enhance customer service and engagement.

Following the IPO, Zendesk continued to grow and evolve, expanding its product offerings and acquiring other companies to strengthen its position in the customer service and support software market. The company’s success reflected the increasing emphasis on delivering exceptional customer experiences in the digital age.

Overall, the Zendesk IPO marked a significant step in the company’s journey and underscored the broader industry shift towards prioritizing customer satisfaction and engagement in the business world.

Synchrony Financial IPO

In July 2014, Synchrony Financial, a consumer financial services company, went public with its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “SYF.”

The IPO allowed Synchrony Financial to raise capital to support its business operations and expansion plans. As a consumer financial services provider, Synchrony Financial focused on credit cards, retail financing, and other financial products and services.

The company’s IPO attracted attention from investors interested in the consumer finance industry, and it marked Synchrony Financial’s transition from a subsidiary of General Electric (GE) to an independent publicly traded entity. The move aimed to provide more flexibility for the company to pursue its strategic goals.

Following the IPO, Synchrony Financial continued to operate as a leading issuer of private label credit cards and expanded its partnerships with various retailers. The IPO represented a key milestone in the company’s journey, demonstrating its commitment to serving consumers’ financial needs and building on its reputation in the industry.