Companies that had their IPO in 2014

The 2014 IPO year was especially vibrant, marking one of the most active years for U.S. IPOs since the dot-com boom of the late 1990s. The overall economic climate, characterized by a strong stock market performance and low-interest rates, set the stage for this heightened activity, making it an opportune time for many companies to seek public funding. The technology sector stood out prominently, with many high-profile tech companies making their debut on the stock market. Alibaba’s IPO was a particular highlight, raising a staggering $25 billion and becoming the largest public offering in history at that time. Beyond the tech realm, sectors ranging from healthcare to finance also saw a surge in IPO activities. However, it wasn’t just the quantity but also the quality of IPOs that garnered attention. Many of these newly public companies showcased strong business models and potential for significant growth. Overall, 2014 stands out as a year of buoyancy and optimism in the public market landscape, reflecting both the resilience and dynamism of the global economy. What happened the next year? See the top IPOs of 2015, here.

Alibaba Group IPO

Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce titan, made global headlines with its blockbuster public debut in 2014. Established in 1999 by Jack Ma and a team of co-founders in Hangzhou, Alibaba began as a platform to connect Chinese manufacturers with international buyers. Over the years, it expanded its footprint to encompass various sectors, including retail, digital payments, cloud computing, and entertainment, becoming an integral part of China’s digital ecosystem.

The anticipation surrounding Alibaba’s IPO was immense, given its dominant position in the world’s most populous country and its emblematic representation of China’s rise as a digital powerhouse. Opting for the New York Stock Exchange and trading under the ticker symbol “BABA”, Alibaba’s IPO became a sensation, raising a staggering $25 billion and setting the record for the largest public offering in history at that time.

The impressive capital raise underscored global investors’ belief in Alibaba’s growth trajectory and its potential to shape the future of e-commerce and technology, not just in China but globally. The funds acquired through the IPO enabled Alibaba to further invest in technology, expand its suite of services, and explore new market frontiers.

Alibaba’s public market entry was not only a pivotal moment for the company but also served as a symbol of the East’s growing significance in the global technology and financial arenas. It reflected the vast potential of the Chinese market and the innovative spirit of enterprises emerging from the region.

GoPro IPO

GoPro, the action-camera company known for revolutionizing how people capture and share their adventures, made its public debut in 2014. Founded by Nick Woodman, GoPro had built a strong brand presence and a dedicated following, especially among outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and content creators. As the company ventured into the public market, it garnered significant attention, reflecting its reputation and the potential many saw in its unique product line. Listing on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “GPRO”, GoPro’s shares were met with enthusiastic reception, with the stock price seeing a notable surge on its debut. The IPO not only provided the company with additional capital to further innovate and expand its product offerings but also underscored the growing interest in user-generated content and the tools that facilitate its creation. The success of GoPro’s public offering highlighted the broader trend of consumers seeking authentic, firsthand experiences and the technological tools that allow them to document and share those moments.

Michaels IPO

Michaels, the widely recognized arts and crafts retail chain, made a noteworthy return to the public markets in 2014. The company, which had been a go-to destination for crafters and DIY enthusiasts for decades, had previously been taken private in a 2006 leveraged buyout by private equity firms Bain Capital and The Blackstone Group. As Michaels sought to reenter the public arena, the move was seen as a reflection of the company’s resilience and the continued appeal of brick-and-mortar stores in certain retail sectors. Upon its trading debut on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “MIK”, Michaels received a measured reception from investors. The proceeds from the IPO provided Michaels with resources to potentially reduce its debt, invest in store enhancements, and expand its digital presence. The public offering served as an important milestone for Michaels, emphasizing its position as a leader in the specialty retail space and its commitment to serving the evolving needs of crafters, artists, and hobbyists in a changing retail landscape.

Papa Murphy’s IPO

Papa Murphy’s, the distinctive take-and-bake pizza chain, ventured into the public market in 2014. Distinguished from other pizza outlets by its unique model where customers pick up freshly made pizzas to bake at home, Papa Murphy’s had cultivated a loyal customer base since its inception. By the time of its IPO, the brand had grown significantly across the U.S., appealing to those seeking a fresh, home-baked meal without the hassle of preparing it from scratch. Trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “FRSH”, the company’s shares marked an exciting chapter for the fast-casual dining sector. The funds raised from the IPO gave Papa Murphy’s the financial muscle to further its expansion strategy, refine its marketing efforts, and adapt to the dynamic fast-casual dining landscape. The decision to go public underscored Papa Murphy’s confidence in its unique value proposition and its ambition to cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of American families. The IPO journey of Papa Murphy’s not only highlighted its growth trajectory but also the broader trends shaping the restaurant industry in the 21st century.

Wayfair IPO

Wayfair, the e-commerce giant specializing in home goods, took a significant step in its corporate journey by going public in 2014. Founded by Niraj Shah and Steve Conine in 2002, Wayfair quickly established itself as a key online destination for a vast range of home products, from furniture to décor. By seamlessly merging technology with home retail, the company managed to capture the attention of consumers seeking both variety and convenience. As Wayfair prepared for its public debut, the anticipation was palpable, given its rapid growth and the increasing shift towards online retail. Trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “W”, Wayfair’s IPO was met with considerable interest, reflecting the broader enthusiasm for e-commerce platforms and the digital transformation of traditional retail sectors. The capital raised from the IPO provided Wayfair with the opportunity to further invest in its platform, expand its product offerings, and strengthen its logistics and customer service. Wayfair’s transition to a publicly-traded company was not only a testament to its success but also an emblem of the changing dynamics of the retail industry in the digital age.

Zendesk IPO

Zendesk, a leading company in the customer service software space, marked a significant milestone by going public in 2014. Originating from Copenhagen and founded by Mikkel Svane, Alexander Aghassipour, and Morten Primdahl, Zendesk transformed the realm of customer support by offering a cloud-based platform that was both intuitive and scalable. As businesses around the world began recognizing the paramount importance of customer experience, Zendesk’s solutions became increasingly indispensable. By the time it approached its public debut, the company was already serving a diverse range of clients, from startups to large enterprises. Launching its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ZEN”, Zendesk’s entry was met with positive investor sentiment, indicative of the growing importance of software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms in the business landscape. The funds from the IPO enabled Zendesk to further refine its products, expand its global footprint, and continue its mission to enhance customer service experiences. The company’s decision to go public not only underscored its own growth journey but also highlighted the broader shift towards cloud-based solutions in the realm of business operations and customer interactions.

Virgin America IPO

Virgin America, the innovative airline that aimed to redefine domestic air travel, made its much-anticipated public debut in 2014. Stemming from Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Virgin America was established with a vision to offer passengers a different kind of flying experience, blending style, comfort, and entertainment at competitive prices. Operating out of its main hub in San Francisco, the airline quickly gained a reputation for its mood-lit cabins, in-flight entertainment systems, and outstanding service, setting it apart in a crowded U.S. airline market.

As Virgin America approached its IPO, there was significant buzz around its offering, given the airline’s brand recognition and its disruptive approach to air travel. Listing on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “VA”, the airline’s shares were greeted with enthusiasm, reflecting both the allure of the Virgin brand and the airline’s potential in the evolving U.S. aviation sector.

The proceeds from the IPO were poised to assist Virgin America in its future growth strategies, including fleet expansion and entry into new markets. Virgin America’s journey to becoming a publicly-traded company not only marked a pivotal moment for the airline but also captured the spirit of innovation and customer-centricity in the modern aviation industry. This chapter in Virgin America’s story highlighted its commitment to challenging the status quo and striving for a more passenger-friendly flying experience.

TubeMogul IPO

TubeMogul, an enterprise software platform dedicated to video advertising, stepped into the public markets in 2014. Founded in 2007 by Brett Wilson and John Hughes, TubeMogul swiftly rose to prominence in the advertising tech sphere, enabling brands and agencies to plan, buy, measure, and optimize their global advertising. In an era where video content consumption was rapidly shifting online, TubeMogul’s platform was instrumental in helping advertisers reach audiences more effectively across multiple devices and formats.

The decision to go public was an affirmation of TubeMogul’s growth trajectory and the broader surge in programmatic advertising. When it made its debut on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “TUBE”, there was considerable interest from the investment community, given the platform’s pioneering role in transforming video advertising strategies.

The capital raised from the IPO was instrumental for TubeMogul, allowing the company to accelerate its product development, expand its global presence, and further its mission to simplify video advertising for the world’s biggest brands. TubeMogul’s public offering not only marked a significant chapter in its own story but also underscored the growing influence and complexity of digital advertising in an increasingly connected world.

Arista Networks IPO

Arista Networks, a trailblazer in the realm of cloud networking solutions, made a notable entrance into the public markets in 2014. Founded in 2004 by networking legends Andy Bechtolsheim and David Cheriton, along with Chief Development Officer Kenneth Duda, Arista Networks aimed to revolutionize the data center and cloud networking landscape. Offering high-performance software-driven solutions, the company quickly established itself as a formidable player, challenging established networking giants and catering to the rising demands of modern data centers.

By the time Arista decided to tread the public route, it had already garnered significant attention for its disruptive approach and rapidly growing clientele, which included tech behemoths and cloud titans. The company’s debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ANET” was met with strong investor enthusiasm, reflecting both Arista’s impressive track record and the potential for growth in the cloud networking segment.

The capital infused from the IPO provided Arista with the ammunition to further its R&D initiatives, expand its global footprint, and deepen its engagement with the burgeoning cloud sector. Arista Networks’ transition to a publicly-traded entity wasn’t just a corporate milestone but also a testament to the transformative power of innovation in the dynamic world of networking and cloud infrastructure.

El Pollo Loco IPO

El Pollo Loco, the renowned fast-food chain known for its flame-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired cuisine, took a decisive leap into the public domain in 2014. Originating from Mexico and making its way to the U.S., El Pollo Loco successfully cultivated a niche with its unique blend of culinary traditions, offering an alternative to the conventional fast-food fare. The brand’s name, translating to “The Crazy Chicken”, encapsulated its vibrant and distinctive approach to fast dining.

As it prepared for its IPO, the buzz around El Pollo Loco was palpable. The food industry, especially the fast-casual segment, was undergoing transformative shifts, and many saw El Pollo Loco as a fresh contender poised for growth. Launching on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “LOCO”, the company’s shares sparked interest, emphasizing the market’s appetite for innovative dining experiences.

The capital from the public offering furnished El Pollo Loco with the means to further its expansion plans, refine its menu offerings, and bolster its brand presence in an increasingly competitive market. The journey of El Pollo Loco to a publicly-traded entity not only highlighted its own success story but also showcased the evolving dynamics and tastes of American consumers in the realm of fast dining.

Ally Financial IPO

Ally Financial, an institution with deep roots in the American financial landscape, embarked on a significant chapter by going public in 2014. Originally established as General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) in 1919, Ally’s primary role was to provide auto financing to GM customers. Over the decades, its portfolio diversified, encompassing various financial services including insurance, online banking, and more.

Navigating through financial complexities, especially during the 2008 financial crisis, Ally underwent a transformation. The U.S. government had to step in with a bailout, becoming a majority shareholder. This move was essential to stabilize the institution during the tumultuous economic downturn.

Fast forward to 2014, as the financial climate stabilized and Ally reshaped its operations, the decision to hold an IPO represented a pivotal moment in its recovery and transformation journey. Launching its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ALLY”, the public offering was one of the significant financial events of the year. It played a crucial role in the U.S. government recouping funds from its bailout investments.

The successful completion of Ally Financial’s IPO underscored its resilience and adaptability. It also marked the company’s evolution from its auto-financing origins to a diversified digital financial services provider. The public offering not only set the stage for Ally’s future growth but also symbolized the broader recovery and restructuring of the U.S. financial sector post the 2008 crisis.

GrubHub IPO

GrubHub, a pioneer in the online food-ordering industry, made a splash in the financial world with its public debut in 2014. Founded in 2004 by Matt Maloney and Mike Evans, GrubHub began its journey as a way to simplify food ordering by connecting hungry consumers with local restaurants. Its platform provided a solution to the fragmented and often cumbersome process of ordering takeout or delivery, quickly gaining traction in urban areas and beyond.

The digital transformation of many sectors, including food and dining, set the stage for GrubHub’s rise. As the company expanded its services, merged with competitors, and solidified its position in the online food delivery arena, it became a household name in many parts of the U.S.

As GrubHub prepared to enter the public market, anticipation was high. The food tech segment was gaining prominence, and GrubHub was among its standout players. Listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GRUB”, the company’s IPO was received with considerable investor interest, reflecting optimism in the digital transformation of the dining experience.

The funds generated from the IPO equipped GrubHub with the resources to further refine its platform, expand its reach, and face off against emerging competitors. GrubHub’s journey to becoming a publicly-traded company not only underscored its own success in revolutionizing food delivery but also highlighted the broader tech-driven changes sweeping the food and service industry.

JustEat IPO

JustEat, a pioneering figure in the online food delivery landscape, charted a significant milestone by going public in 2014. Born in Denmark in 2001 under the leadership of Jesper Buch, JustEat quickly expanded its reach, aiming to transform the way consumers ordered food from local restaurants. The company’s straightforward value proposition was to connect diners with a variety of culinary options, simplifying the ordering process and expanding restaurant reach.

As technology increasingly integrated with daily life and consumer habits evolved, JustEat found fertile ground for growth in Europe, eventually extending its operations to several other countries. Recognizing the surging potential of the online food delivery market, JustEat sought to capitalize on its burgeoning user base and robust platform.

The decision to go public was a major move, and in 2014, JustEat was listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “JE”. The IPO garnered substantial attention, reflecting the market’s enthusiasm for digital platforms reshaping traditional industries. This public offering provided JustEat with significant capital, which was instrumental in fueling its further expansion, technological upgrades, and strategic acquisitions.

JustEat’s leap into the public market wasn’t just an organizational milestone; it was emblematic of a broader shift in the dining landscape, where technology bridged the gap between local eateries and a growing community of digital-first consumers.

Land’s End IPO

Land’s End, a classic American clothing and home decor retailer known for its durable and timeless products, embarked on a new journey by separating from its parent company and going public in 2014. The company’s origins trace back to 1963 when it was founded by Gary Comer as a mail-order yachting supply business in Chicago. Over time, Land’s End pivoted to clothing and eventually grew to be a major catalog retailer, emphasizing its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

In 2002, Land’s End was acquired by Sears, Roebuck and Co., marking the beginning of a period where it operated as a subsidiary. However, as Sears faced challenges and sought strategic avenues to optimize its assets, the decision was made to spin off Land’s End as an independent, publicly-traded company.

Thus, in 2014, Land’s End made its debut on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “LE”. This move was seen as an opportunity for the brand to revitalize its identity and harness its legacy of quality and customer trust. The transition to a standalone entity also offered Land’s End a chance to more nimbly navigate the retail landscape, refine its marketing strategies, and bolster its online and catalog presence.

The decision for Land’s End to re-enter the public market underscored its enduring appeal and potential for renewed growth, even amidst changing retail dynamics. The brand’s resilience and commitment to its core values promised a future where it could adapt, innovate, and continue serving its loyal customer base.

Paycom IPO

Paycom, a leading player in the world of cloud-based payroll and human capital management software, took a strategic step forward with its public debut in 2014. Founded in 1998 by Chad Richison in Oklahoma City, Paycom aimed to revolutionize the way businesses handled payroll by leveraging the power of the internet. As the company evolved, it expanded its offerings, providing comprehensive solutions that covered the entire employee life cycle, from recruitment to retirement.

In a world that was rapidly digitizing, Paycom’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions found increasing relevance. Companies sought efficient, integrated platforms to streamline human resource processes, and Paycom positioned itself effectively in this niche.

Recognizing the growth potential of the HR tech space and its own robust platform, Paycom decided to enter the public markets. In 2014, the company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “PAYC”. The IPO garnered significant investor attention, reflecting both the industry’s growth prospects and Paycom’s reputation as an innovative solution provider.

The capital raised from the public offering provided Paycom with the means to accelerate its product development, expand its market reach, and further enhance its technological infrastructure. Paycom’s transition to a publicly-traded entity not only highlighted its own trajectory of innovation and growth but also underscored the increasing importance of digital solutions in the realm of human resources and workforce management.

The Meet Group IPO

The Meet Group, known for its suite of social discovery and dating applications, marked a key transition with its public debut. Founded in 2005 by Geoff Cook and siblings Dave and Catherine Cook as MyYearbook, the company started with the idea of connecting high school students through a digital yearbook. However, over the years, the platform evolved beyond the yearbook concept, becoming a space for social discovery where users could interact, play games, and even stream live videos.

Realizing the potential of the broader social discovery and dating industry, and driven by the need to expand and diversify its services, the company underwent several transformations. A pivotal moment came in 2011 when MyYearbook merged with Quepasa Corporation, a Latino social networking company, and later rebranded to MeetMe in 2012.

By the time the company prepared for its public offering, it had already developed a strong user base and diversified its suite of applications, which now included not just MeetMe but also other apps acquired over time. Trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “MEET”, The Meet Group’s IPO drew interest, highlighting the growing appeal of online social discovery platforms and the increasing integration of technology in personal interactions.

The capital from the IPO enabled The Meet Group to further invest in product innovation, explore new market opportunities, and continue its journey of acquisitions and growth. The company’s foray into the public market was not just a corporate milestone but also reflected the digital transformation of interpersonal connections and the rise of online social platforms.

Sabre Corp IPO

Sabre, a titan in the global travel technology sector, embarked on a renewed journey with its public debut in 2014. Originating in the 1960s as a collaborative project between American Airlines and IBM, Sabre’s initial focus was to create the first computerized airline reservation system. The success of this endeavor led to the establishment of the Sabre system, which over time, expanded its services beyond airline reservations to include various facets of the travel industry, such as hotel bookings, car rentals, and more.

As the decades rolled on, Sabre transformed into a global tech powerhouse serving the travel and tourism sector. Its innovations played a pivotal role in digitizing many aspects of travel, from booking to operations, significantly enhancing the efficiency and reach of the industry.

In 2000, Sabre became an independent entity after being spun off from American Airlines. Then, in 2007, it transitioned to a private company following a buyout. However, recognizing the evolving dynamics of the travel technology market and seeking to harness its vast potential, Sabre made the strategic decision to go public once more.

In 2014, Sabre Corporation was listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “SABR”. The IPO was a testament to Sabre’s stature in the travel tech landscape and reflected investor confidence in its forward-looking vision and robust platform. The capital generated from the public offering equipped Sabre with the means to further its technological innovations, expand its global footprint, and continue leading the digital transformation of the travel industry. The company’s re-entry into the public domain signified its enduring relevance and commitment to shaping the future of travel.