Companies that had their IPO in 2017

The year 2017 in the IPO landscape was marked by notable enthusiasm and some significant public debuts.

The tech sector, in particular, stood out with several high-profile companies entering the public markets. One of the most eagerly awaited was Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, which raised billions and brought attention to the potential of social media platforms, despite facing intense competition from giants like Facebook. What happened the next year? See the top IPOs of 2018, here.

Meanwhile, the meal-kit delivery service Blue Apron also went public, though it faced challenges post-IPO due to competitive pressures and operational hurdles.

On the global front, the IPO of ZhongAn Online, a Chinese insuretech company, emphasized the growing influence of technology in the finance and insurance sectors, especially in the Asian markets. Streaming service Roku, known for its streaming sticks and television platforms, also entered the public domain, highlighting the shift in entertainment consumption patterns. However, while many companies successfully launched their IPOs, the overall number of offerings was somewhat modest compared to previous boom years.

Factors like geopolitical uncertainties, changes in US regulations, and the increasing popularity of alternative fundraising methods, such as direct listings, played a role in shaping the IPO trends of 2017. In essence, while the year saw its fair share of blockbuster debuts, it also reflected the complexities and evolving dynamics of the global capital markets.

Snap Inc. IPO

Snap Inc., the parent company of the popular social media platform Snapchat, made a splash in the public markets with its highly anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO) in March 2017. Choosing to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SNAP,” the company attracted significant attention given Snapchat’s massive user base, especially among younger demographics. Prior to its public debut, Snap Inc. priced its shares at $17, but they quickly surged in their first day of trading, emphasizing the excitement around tech and social media offerings. The IPO allowed Snap to raise an impressive $3.4 billion, marking one of the largest tech IPOs since Facebook. However, the optimism was tempered with concerns about Snap’s ability to monetize its platform, its competition with tech giants, and challenges in maintaining user growth. The company’s journey post-IPO became emblematic of the risks and rewards associated with emerging tech platforms facing stiff competition and evolving user preferences in the dynamic world of social media.

Canada Goose IPO

Canada Goose, the luxury outerwear brand known for its iconic parkas, made its public debut with considerable fanfare in March 2017. Renowned for its high-quality winter jackets adorned with its distinctive Arctic logo, the brand had cultivated a loyal customer base that spanned across various regions. Opting for a dual listing, the company’s shares were traded on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker “GOOS”. Leading up to the IPO, Canada Goose priced its shares ambitiously, reflecting confidence in its global brand appeal and growth prospects. This confidence seemed well-placed as the company successfully raised around $250 million from the offering. Following the IPO, the stock’s performance was swayed by the brand’s expansion strategies, its forays into new product lines, and the broader luxury retail market dynamics. Canada Goose’s entry into the public markets underscored the potential of niche luxury brands to resonate with a global audience, and their journey highlighted the nuances of navigating the luxury retail space in an era of shifting consumer preferences.

Roku IPO

Roku, a pioneer in the streaming device industry, made a significant entrance into the public markets in September 2017. Recognized for its user-friendly streaming sticks and set-top boxes that transformed traditional televisions into smart TVs, Roku had carved a niche for itself in an entertainment landscape that was quickly transitioning from cable to on-demand streaming.

As consumers were cutting the cord and shifting to services like Netflix and Hulu, Roku’s platform, which was neutral and allowed users to access a multitude of streaming channels, found a rapidly growing audience. With its IPO on the horizon, Roku opted to list its shares on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “ROKU”.

Leading up to the Initial Public Offering, there was tangible excitement around Roku’s prospects. This anticipation translated into its share pricing, enabling the company to raise about $219 million. What made Roku particularly compelling to investors was not just its hardware but its platform strategy, which included advertising revenues and partnerships with content providers.

Post-IPO, Roku’s performance on the stock market was influenced by its continuous innovation in the streaming device category, its expansion into the smart TV segment, and the broader dynamics of the streaming industry. The company’s journey underscored the transformative impact of streaming technology on entertainment consumption and how platform-agnostic devices like Roku played a pivotal role in shaping this new era.

Blue Apron IPO

Blue Apron, a meal-kit delivery service that aimed to revolutionize home cooking by providing pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to customers, ventured into the public markets in June 2017. Recognized as one of the frontrunners in the meal-kit industry, Blue Apron’s service had garnered a significant following, blending the convenience of home delivery with the joy of cooking. Deciding to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “APRN,” there was notable interest in the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO). However, in the lead-up to the IPO, Blue Apron faced challenges, including mounting competition in the meal-kit space and concerns over long-term profitability. Consequently, the company priced its shares at a somewhat modest level, managing to raise around $300 million. Following its market debut, Blue Apron grappled with operational hurdles, escalating costs, and a fiercely competitive landscape, all of which influenced its stock performance. Blue Apron’s IPO and subsequent journey spotlighted the challenges and intricacies of scaling a subscription-based model in the food industry amidst evolving consumer expectations and a rapidly shifting competitive environment.

SendGrid IPO

SendGrid, a cloud-based email delivery platform that had become indispensable for many businesses seeking effective customer engagement, announced its public market entrance in November 2017. With its robust platform that powered transactional and marketing emails for a myriad of companies, SendGrid had built a reputation for reliability and scalability. The company chose to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “SEND.”

Ahead of its Initial Public Offering (IPO), there was a sense of optimism about SendGrid’s prospects given its solid performance in the email infrastructure space. This optimism was mirrored in its pricing, and the company was successful in raising around $131 million from the offering. The stock garnered attention from investors who recognized the value of digital communication platforms, especially in an era where businesses were increasingly focusing on enhancing their digital touchpoints with customers.

Post-IPO, SendGrid’s journey in the public market spotlighted its endeavors to expand its product suite, navigate the competitive landscape, and maintain its edge in the fast-evolving world of digital communications. The company’s IPO not only highlighted the importance of specialized cloud communication platforms but also emphasized the broader trend of businesses seeking efficient and scalable solutions for their customer engagement needs.

Freshii IPO

Freshii, the health-focused fast-casual restaurant chain known for its salads, wraps, and smoothies, sought to bring its unique wellness-oriented dining approach to the public markets in early 2017. Originating in Canada, Freshii had rapidly expanded its footprint, aiming to make healthy food accessible and affordable to a broader audience. For its stock market debut, the company opted to list its shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker “FRII”.

There was notable anticipation leading up to Freshii’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) as it rode the wave of growing consumer interest in healthier dining options. Reflecting this enthusiasm and the brand’s growth potential, the company priced its shares in a way that allowed it to raise about CAD $125 million.

However, following the IPO, Freshii encountered challenges in its ambitious expansion plans, adjusting to market dynamics, and facing the ever-present competition in the fast-casual dining space. These factors influenced its stock performance and the company’s strategic decisions in the subsequent months.

Freshii’s entrance into the public domain emphasized the increasing consumer shift towards health-conscious dining and the potential and challenges of scaling such a concept in a diverse and competitive food industry landscape.

Ingersoll Rand IPO

Ingersoll Rand, a diversified industrial manufacturing company with a history that spans over a century, did not have a traditional IPO in the manner newer companies do. Instead, its journey on the stock market has been shaped by mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic shifts over the years. Known for a wide array of products, from air compressors to tools, the company has been a mainstay in the industrial sector, continually evolving to meet market demands.

However, in recent years, there have been significant corporate actions that reshaped Ingersoll Rand. In 2020, for instance, Ingersoll Rand completed a reverse merger with Gardner Denver. Post this merger, the combined company took on the name Ingersoll Rand Inc. and began trading under the ticker symbol “IR” on the New York Stock Exchange. This move aimed to create a powerhouse in mission-critical flow creation and industrial technologies.

This strategic decision and the subsequent integration challenges and opportunities were keenly observed by the market. Investors and industry observers looked closely at how the combined strengths of both companies would drive growth, create operational efficiencies, and navigate the complexities of the global industrial sector.

In essence, while Ingersoll Rand’s presence on the stock market wasn’t initiated by a conventional IPO, its evolution, particularly in recent years, showcased the intricate dance of corporate strategy, market dynamics, and investor sentiment in the world of industrial manufacturing.

RedFin IPO

Redfin, a technology-powered real estate brokerage, marked its arrival in the public markets in July 2017, aiming to disrupt the traditional real estate landscape. With its unique business model, Redfin combined its online platform, which provided users with a seamless home search experience, with its own agents who offered services at a fraction of the typical commission.

As the digital shift was revolutionizing various industries, Redfin’s emphasis on leveraging technology to simplify the home buying and selling process garnered attention. For its stock market debut, the company chose to list its shares on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “RDFN.”

In the lead-up to the Initial Public Offering, the buzz around Redfin was palpable. Reflecting this sentiment and the company’s growth trajectory, Redfin priced its shares in a manner that enabled it to raise over $138 million from the offering. The stock was met with considerable interest, signifying the market’s recognition of the potential in tech-driven approaches to traditional sectors.

Following its IPO, Redfin’s journey in the public spotlight has been characterized by its continued push to innovate within the real estate space, challenges from both traditional brokers and other tech-based competitors, and its endeavors to expand its suite of services. The company’s trajectory in the public markets underscored the broader theme of how technology can reshape industries with long-standing business models and the opportunities and challenges that come with such disruption.

HelloFresh IPO

HelloFresh, a Berlin-based meal-kit delivery service, sought to captivate the public markets with its IPO in November 2017. Rooted in the concept of delivering fresh ingredients with step-by-step recipes directly to consumers’ doorsteps, HelloFresh aimed to make home cooking more accessible and exciting, especially for those leading busy lifestyles.

As the meal-kit industry gained traction, HelloFresh’s value proposition of diverse culinary experiences and convenience resonated with many, giving it an edge in a competitive space. For its debut on the stock market, the company decided to list its shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HFG”.

Anticipation surrounded HelloFresh’s IPO, reflecting the broader enthusiasm for subscription-based food delivery models. In line with this momentum, the company’s shares were priced to raise around €318 million, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey.

However, the post-IPO landscape presented a mixed bag for HelloFresh. While the company experienced growth and expanded its footprint across various regions, it also grappled with challenges intrinsic to the meal-kit industry, such as customer retention, operational efficiencies, and intense competition. HelloFresh’s journey on the public market highlighted the potential and intricacies of scaling a subscription-based model in the food sector amidst evolving consumer preferences and a dynamic competitive environment.

Cars.com IPO

Cars.com, a leading online automotive marketplace, embarked on a unique journey in the public markets in 2017, though its entry wasn’t through a conventional IPO. Founded in the late 90s, Cars.com had established itself as a go-to platform for consumers looking to buy or sell cars, offering comprehensive listings, reviews, and tools to facilitate informed purchasing decisions.

The platform was initially under the umbrella of TEGNA Inc., a media holding company. However, in 2017, TEGNA decided to spin off Cars.com into its own publicly-traded entity. This spin-off aimed to allow both entities to focus more intently on their core businesses and pursue growth more effectively.

As the spin-off took effect in June 2017, shares of Cars.com began trading independently on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CARS”. While this transition to the public domain was not through the traditional IPO route, it nevertheless brought significant attention to Cars.com and its prospects as a standalone entity.

In the subsequent months and years, the performance and trajectory of Cars.com in the public markets were influenced by its strategic initiatives to enhance the platform, evolving dynamics of the online auto sales industry, competition from other automotive marketplaces, and broader economic factors affecting car sales. The company’s journey underscored the challenges and opportunities of digital marketplaces in specialized sectors and the strategic maneuvers companies undertake to unlock value.

Okta IPO

Okta, a trailblazer in identity and access management, stepped into the public markets in April 2017, aiming to solidify its position as a leader in the realm of cloud-based security. Providing a platform that allowed businesses to manage and secure user authentication into modern applications, Okta had gained significant traction in the enterprise world, becoming a linchpin for many companies’ IT security strategies.

Recognizing the mounting importance of cloud security in an increasingly digital world, Okta chose to list its shares on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “OKTA”. Its offering tapped into the broader market sentiment that was keenly interested in cybersecurity and cloud solutions, especially given the escalating threats and challenges businesses faced in managing digital identities.

Leading up to its Initial Public Offering, there was considerable enthusiasm around Okta’s value proposition, growth trajectory, and its visionary approach to cloud-based identity management. This enthusiasm translated into the company’s share pricing, allowing Okta to raise over $180 million from the offering.

In the wake of its IPO, Okta’s journey on the stock market was shaped by its continued innovation, expansion of its product suite to address evolving security challenges, and its ability to onboard and retain enterprise customers. Okta’s trajectory underscored the growing imperative of robust digital identity solutions in a world where businesses were rapidly migrating operations and services to the cloud.

Carvana IPO

Carvana, an innovative online platform known for selling used cars with a distinctive car vending machine concept, made a noteworthy entry into the public markets in April 2017. Positioned as a disruptor in the traditional used car sales industry, Carvana sought to offer consumers a hassle-free car buying experience, allowing them to select, finance, and even receive car deliveries without ever setting foot in a dealership.

The modern, digital-first approach that Carvana brought to a long-established industry was a significant part of its appeal. Emphasizing transparency, convenience, and a unique customer experience, Carvana resonated with a segment of consumers weary of traditional car-buying hassles. For its stock market debut, the company chose to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CVNA”.

In the buildup to its Initial Public Offering, there was an air of anticipation around Carvana’s prospects and its ability to reshape the used car market. The company managed to raise approximately $225 million from the offering, setting the stage for its subsequent journey in the public spotlight.

Post-IPO, Carvana’s stock market performance was influenced by its growth strategies, its expansion into new cities with its signature car vending machines, and the broader trends and challenges of the online automotive sales sector. Carvana’s entrance and trajectory in the public domain highlighted the transformative potential of digital platforms in traditional industries and the evolving expectations of modern consumers.

Cloudera IPO

Cloudera, a company at the forefront of enterprise data management and analytics with a focus on providing a platform based on open-source technology, took a significant leap into the public markets in April 2017. Offering solutions centered around Apache Hadoop, an open-source software framework, Cloudera empowered businesses to manage and analyze vast amounts of data, aligning with the broader trend of big data analytics.

By delivering both a free version and an enhanced, subscription-based offering, Cloudera attracted a wide array of customers, ranging from startups to large enterprises. To mark its transition into the public domain, Cloudera opted to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CLDR”.

Leading up to its Initial Public Offering, there was considerable interest in Cloudera, not just because of its growth trajectory but also due to its association with big names in tech, such as Intel, which was a major investor. The IPO allowed Cloudera to raise roughly $225 million, reflecting the market’s appetite for companies that catered to the burgeoning big data space.

Following its IPO, Cloudera’s journey in the public markets saw its fair share of ups and downs, influenced by competitive dynamics, technological shifts, and evolving enterprise demands for data solutions. Cloudera’s story in the stock market provided a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities inherent in the fast-paced world of data analytics and the ever-present demand for tools that can harness the power of big data.

Rovio Entertainment IPO

Rovio Entertainment, the Finnish gaming company best known for its global sensation “Angry Birds,” took flight in the public markets in September 2017. Bursting onto the mobile gaming scene in 2009 with the launch of the Angry Birds game, Rovio quickly amassed a massive player base, subsequently expanding the brand into merchandise, animations, and even a feature film.

Given its prominent position in the mobile gaming sector and the broader cultural impact of its flagship title, Rovio’s decision to go public was closely watched by the industry and investors alike. The company chose to list its shares on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

In the run-up to its Initial Public Offering, Rovio’s valuation was a topic of much discussion. While the Angry Birds franchise had been immensely successful, there were questions about Rovio’s ability to replicate such success with new titles and how it would sustain growth in the fickle world of mobile gaming. Nonetheless, buoyed by its brand recognition and diverse ventures, Rovio managed to raise around €30 million from the offering, aiming to fuel its expansion and diversification strategies.

Post-IPO, Rovio’s journey on the stock market was influenced by various factors, including its game development pipeline, the performance of its entertainment division, and the broader dynamics of the mobile gaming industry. Rovio’s path underscored the challenges of maintaining momentum in a rapidly evolving industry and the importance of innovation and adaptability in the world of entertainment.

J. Jill IPO

J. Jill, a well-established American women’s apparel brand, marked its return to the public markets in March 2017. With a legacy that spans several decades, J. Jill built a reputation for offering versatile and sophisticated clothing tailored to a mature female demographic, setting itself apart with its commitment to comfort, style, and size inclusivity.

The brand had been on a transformative journey, transitioning from brick-and-mortar stores to also emphasizing its online presence, a move that reflected the broader retail industry’s shift towards digital platforms. As it sought to further its growth and capitalize on its unique market position, J. Jill decided to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “JILL”.

In the lead-up to its Initial Public Offering, there was measured optimism about J. Jill, grounded in its loyal customer base, distinctive brand identity, and promising e-commerce growth. The company successfully raised around $152 million from the offering, aiming to bolster its omnichannel retail strategy and potentially reduce its debt.

However, post-IPO, J. Jill navigated a challenging retail landscape, characterized by changing consumer habits, intense competition, and the pressures of digital transformation. The company’s journey in the public spotlight underscored the intricacies of modern retail and the need for legacy brands to continuously adapt and innovate to remain relevant in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Funko IPO

Funko, the pop culture collectibles company known for its distinctive vinyl figures and bobbleheads, made its colorful debut in the public markets in November 2017. With a vast array of licensed characters from movies, TV shows, video games, and more, Funko captured the hearts of pop culture enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

Priding itself on its quick turnaround in producing new figures and its ability to tap into the zeitgeist of popular entertainment, Funko’s products often became sought-after items shortly after releases of blockbuster movies or trending TV shows. As a reflection of its growth and ambition to further cement its position in the collectibles industry, Funko chose to list its shares on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “FNKO”.

Leading up to its Initial Public Offering, there was significant curiosity surrounding Funko, given its unique niche and the passionate fandoms associated with many of its products. The company aimed to raise capital to support its continued expansion, both in terms of product lines and geographical reach. However, its initial market reception was tepid, raising around $125 million, a bit shy of its target.

In the aftermath of its IPO, Funko’s journey in the public domain was shaped by its product launches, licensing deals, and its ability to resonate with pop culture trends. The company’s trajectory underscored the potential of niche markets in the broader retail space and the value of understanding and catering to dedicated fan bases.

Jeld-Wen IPO

Jeld-Wen, a globally recognized name in the window and door industry, made a decisive move into the public markets in January 2017. Founded in Oregon in 1960, Jeld-Wen rapidly grew over the years to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of reliable windows and doors, catering to both residential and commercial markets.

With a rich history of providing innovative products that blended durability with design, Jeld-Wen established a strong presence in multiple countries, reinforcing its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Recognizing the opportunity to further its growth aspirations and fuel its strategic initiatives, the company decided to go public and listed its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “JELD.”

The anticipation leading up to Jeld-Wen’s Initial Public Offering was rooted in its longstanding reputation in the construction and renovation sectors and its expansive global footprint. The company successfully raised approximately $600 million from the offering, signaling strong investor confidence in its business model and future prospects.

Following its transition to a publicly-traded entity, Jeld-Wen’s journey on the stock market was influenced by factors like housing market dynamics, construction industry trends, global expansion efforts, and strategic acquisitions. The company’s foray into the public spotlight underscored the intricacies of the home improvement sector and the importance of consistent innovation and adaptability in a globally competitive market.