Companies that had their IPO in 2019

The year 2019 was a remarkable one in the realm of initial public offerings (IPOs), characterized by high anticipation, notable successes, and some significant disappointments. It was a year that saw a surge in tech IPOs, with several high-profile companies making their stock market debuts. What happened the next year? See the top IPOs of 2020, here.

One of the most talked-about IPOs was that of Uber. As a leader in the ride-hailing industry, Uber’s IPO was highly anticipated. However, its performance post-IPO was somewhat underwhelming, with the stock trading below its offering price for a considerable time. This trend raised questions about the long-term profitability and business models of similar tech companies.

Lyft, another major player in the ride-hailing space, also went public in 2019. Like Uber, Lyft’s IPO attracted considerable attention, but its stock also struggled after the IPO, reflecting investor skepticism about the sustainability of its business model.

Beyond ride-hailing, 2019 was also notable for the IPO of several tech companies in different sectors. For instance, Slack Technologies opted for a direct listing, an alternative to the traditional IPO process. This approach generated significant interest as it was seen as a potential model for other tech companies. Slack’s performance in the stock market was closely watched as a barometer for this non-traditional approach to going public.

The food delivery service DoorDash also made headlines with its IPO. The company had been growing rapidly, and its public offering was seen as a test of investor appetite for new players in the gig economy.

Additionally, the year saw the debut of some notable non-tech companies. This diversification indicated a healthy interest across various sectors, not just in technology.

However, the IPO landscape in 2019 wasn’t just about individual company stories. The market conditions were also a critical factor. The broader economic environment was conducive to IPOs, with low-interest rates and a strong stock market for most of the year. However, there was also underlying uncertainty, partly due to global trade tensions, which added an element of unpredictability to the market reception of IPOs.

One significant aspect of 2019’s IPO narrative was the conversation around valuations. Many of the companies going public had sky-high valuations, often without corresponding profitability. This situation led to debates among investors and analysts about the metrics used to value tech companies and whether a market correction was looming.

In conclusion, 2019 was a dynamic and instructive year for IPOs. It was marked by the entry of major tech companies into the public market, mixed performances post-IPO, and broader discussions about the valuation and sustainability of growth-focused business models in the tech industry. This year set the stage for future IPOs and influenced how companies and investors approached the public market in the subsequent years.

Uber IPO

The Uber IPO in 2019 was one of the most highly anticipated market debuts, given the company’s status as a leader in the ride-hailing industry and a prominent example of a tech “unicorn” – a startup valued at over $1 billion. Founded in 2009, Uber had transformed urban transportation and sparked significant interest in the gig economy model.

As Uber approached its IPO, there was immense speculation about its valuation. The company had experienced rapid growth and expansion into various sectors, including food delivery with Uber Eats and freight with Uber Freight. However, this expansion came with substantial costs, and Uber was reporting significant losses in the years leading up to the IPO. This fact raised questions about its long-term profitability and the sustainability of its business model.

When Uber finally went public in May 2019, the event was somewhat marred by a less-than-enthusiastic reception from investors. Initially, the company had sought a valuation of as much as $120 billion, but on the day of its IPO, it was valued at around $82 billion, with shares priced at $45 each. This lower-than-expected valuation was a reflection of growing investor skepticism about the profitability of tech companies with high growth but significant losses.

Uber’s stock performance in the immediate aftermath of the IPO didn’t alleviate these concerns. The shares fell almost 8% on the first day of trading, marking a disappointing start. This decline was seen as part of broader market volatility but also as a specific uncertainty about Uber’s future.

The company faced several challenges, including regulatory hurdles in various markets, rising competition, and internal governance issues. Additionally, there were broader economic concerns, including trade tensions and signs of a potential economic slowdown, which may have affected investor sentiment.

Despite the rocky start, Uber’s IPO was significant for several reasons. It was one of the largest tech IPOs of all time, and it marked a crucial transition for the company from a venture-capital-backed startup to a publicly traded company. The IPO was also a litmus test for other tech companies considering going public, particularly those in the gig economy space, which shared Uber’s model of rapid growth and delayed profitability.

In summary, Uber’s IPO was a watershed moment in the tech and financial world. It highlighted the challenges faced by high-growth tech companies in balancing investor expectations with the realities of expanding a disruptive business model. The mixed response to the IPO underscored the changing dynamics in the public market’s approach to valuing such innovative but unprofitable companies.

Beyond Meat IPO

Beyond Meat’s IPO in 2019 stood out as a remarkable success story and a notable deviation from the trend of tech-dominated public offerings. As a pioneering company in the plant-based meat industry, Beyond Meat had garnered significant attention for its innovative products designed to mimic the taste and texture of real meat, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and healthier food options.

The company went public in May 2019, and its IPO was received with considerable enthusiasm. Beyond Meat priced its initial public offering at $25 per share, which was at the top end of the previously set range, indicating strong investor interest even before it started trading. This pricing gave the company a valuation of about $1.5 billion, a substantial figure that reflected the market’s optimism about the future of plant-based foods.

On its first day of trading, Beyond Meat’s stock soared, closing at nearly $66 per share, which was more than double its IPO price. This impressive debut was one of the most successful in recent years, particularly for a company that was not in the technology sector. The stock continued to rally in the following months, at one point reaching over $200 per share, significantly amplifying the company’s market valuation.

The excitement around Beyond Meat’s IPO was driven by several factors. First, it was tapping into a rapidly growing market segment – plant-based foods – which was gaining momentum amid rising concerns about health, animal welfare, and the environmental impact of meat production. Beyond Meat’s products were already being sold in thousands of grocery stores and restaurants, suggesting a broad and growing appeal.

Moreover, the company’s growth prospects appeared robust, with plans to expand internationally and continue innovating its product line. This potential for global expansion and product diversification added to the allure for investors looking for new growth opportunities outside the tech sector.

Despite this initial success, Beyond Meat also faced challenges. The plant-based meat sector began to attract more competitors, including established food industry players and other startups. Moreover, while the company was experiencing rapid revenue growth, it was still not profitable at the time of its IPO, raising questions about its long-term profitability and the sustainability of its high valuation.

In summary, Beyond Meat’s IPO was a standout event in 2019, reflecting a shift in consumer trends and investor appetite for innovative companies in the food industry. Its initial success underscored the market’s enthusiasm for sustainable and health-conscious food options, although it also highlighted the challenges of maintaining high growth and achieving profitability in a competitive and evolving market.

Zoom IPO

Zoom’s IPO in 2019 emerged as a standout success story, especially notable in a year that saw mixed results for many high-profile tech companies going public. As a provider of remote conferencing services, Zoom had carved out a significant niche in a market dominated by larger, more established companies. Its platform offered video conferencing, voice, webinars, and chat across desktops, phones, mobile devices, and conference room systems, and it was particularly lauded for its user-friendly interface and reliability.

The company went public in April 2019, and its IPO was met with considerable enthusiasm from investors. Zoom priced its shares at $36, which was higher than the initial expected range, reflecting strong investor demand. This pricing gave Zoom a valuation of around $9.2 billion, a remarkable figure for a company competing in a space with tech giants like Microsoft and Google.

What set Zoom’s IPO apart was its impressive performance from day one. On its first day of trading, the stock soared, closing at nearly $62, which represented an increase of over 70% from its IPO price. This rise was particularly striking in the context of the broader 2019 IPO landscape, where other tech companies had struggled to meet their valuation expectations.

Several factors contributed to Zoom’s successful IPO. Firstly, unlike many of its tech counterparts, Zoom was profitable at the time it went public, which was a rarity among the high-growth tech startups. This profitability was a significant draw for investors, especially in a market environment where there was increasing scrutiny of the sustainability of tech companies’ business models.

Additionally, Zoom’s product was well-received in the market, known for its ease of use, reliability, and quality. Its customer base was rapidly growing, encompassing not only businesses but also educational institutions, government agencies, and individual consumers. The company had successfully tapped into a trend of increasing remote work and global collaboration, positioning itself as a vital tool in modern communication.

However, Zoom’s journey post-IPO wasn’t without challenges. The company faced intense competition in a market with several large and well-funded players. There were also concerns about privacy and security, areas where Zoom needed to continuously invest and improve to maintain its market position and customer trust.

In conclusion, Zoom’s IPO in 2019 was a highly successful venture, characterized by its strong financials, robust product offering, and favorable market positioning. It stood out as an example of a tech company that could combine rapid growth with profitability, drawing significant investor interest in a year filled with more cautious market receptions to tech IPOs. The success of Zoom’s IPO underscored the potential for innovative companies to make a significant impact, even in highly competitive markets.

Lyft IPO

Lyft’s IPO in 2019 marked a significant moment as the company, a major player in the ride-hailing industry, ventured into the public market. As one of the first big tech IPOs of the year, it set the stage for several other high-profile companies planning to go public. Founded in 2012, Lyft had grown to become Uber’s main competitor in the United States, differentiating itself with a focus on a community-driven image and a commitment to social values.

The company went public in March 2019, ahead of its rival Uber. Lyft’s IPO was priced at $72 per share, giving the company a valuation of around $24 billion. This valuation reflected the high expectations and optimism surrounding the growth potential of ride-hailing services and the broader gig economy.

On its first day of trading, Lyft’s shares initially surged, indicating strong investor interest. However, the stock soon began to waver and closed only slightly above the IPO price. In the following weeks and months, Lyft’s stock experienced volatility and trended downward, at times trading significantly below the IPO price.

Several factors contributed to the mixed reception of Lyft’s IPO. Firstly, like many high-growth tech startups, Lyft was not profitable at the time of its IPO, reporting significant losses. This lack of profitability raised concerns among investors about the sustainability of its business model and the path to future profitability, especially in a competitive market dominated by its larger rival, Uber.

Additionally, Lyft, much like Uber, faced regulatory challenges and uncertainties. The ride-hailing industry was grappling with regulatory issues in various cities and countries, as well as debates over the status of drivers as independent contractors versus employees, which had implications for operating costs.

Despite these challenges, Lyft’s IPO was significant as it represented one of the first major tests of investor appetite for new-age tech companies in the ride-hailing space. It also highlighted the evolving dynamics of the public market’s approach to valuing such companies, where growth prospects were weighed against financial realities like profitability and regulatory challenges.

In summary, Lyft’s IPO was a landmark event that captured the market’s complexities and the challenges facing modern tech startups. While it garnered considerable investor interest, reflecting the potential seen in ride-hailing and mobility services, the subsequent performance of its stock underscored the cautious approach of investors towards companies with high growth but delayed profitability. It set a tone for subsequent IPOs in the tech sector, particularly for companies within the gig economy.

Chewy IPO

Chewy’s IPO in 2019 represented a notable success story in the e-commerce sector, particularly in the niche market of online pet product sales. Founded in 2011, Chewy quickly became popular among pet owners for its wide range of products, customer service, and convenient online ordering system. The company had carved out a significant position in the pet supply industry, a market that typically shows resilience even in economic downturns due to the consistent demand for pet care products.

Chewy went public in June 2019, marking a significant milestone in its relatively short history. The company priced its IPO at $22 per share, which was above the initial expected range, indicating strong investor interest. This pricing gave Chewy a valuation of around $8.8 billion, a substantial figure that underscored the growing importance of e-commerce in the pet industry.

Upon its stock market debut, Chewy’s shares saw considerable gains, reflecting the optimism of investors in the company’s business model and growth prospects. The positive reception was a strong endorsement of Chewy’s position in the online retail landscape, especially in a specialized market segment like pet products.

Several factors contributed to the enthusiasm surrounding Chewy’s IPO. First, the company had shown impressive growth, rapidly expanding its customer base and revenue. Chewy’s focus on customer experience, including its user-friendly website, auto-ship feature, and a dedicated customer service team, had helped it build a loyal customer base. This focus on customer loyalty and retention was a key differentiator in the competitive online retail space.

Additionally, Chewy benefited from the broader trend of increasing consumer spending on pet products and the growing comfort with online shopping. The company had successfully tapped into the needs of pet owners, offering a wide range of products and services, including prescription medications and customized pet foods, which further entrenched its market position.

However, like many high-growth e-commerce companies, Chewy was not profitable at the time of its IPO. The company had been investing heavily in expanding its product range, technology, and infrastructure, which contributed to its ongoing losses. This lack of profitability was a concern for some investors, who were cautious about the sustainability of its growth in the face of intense competition from larger players like Amazon and traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores.

In conclusion, Chewy’s IPO in 2019 was a significant event in the e-commerce and pet supply industry. It underscored the potential for specialized online retailers to achieve substantial growth and investor interest. While the company faced challenges in terms of achieving profitability and navigating a competitive market, its successful IPO reflected the market’s confidence in Chewy’s business model and its ability to capitalize on the growing trend of online shopping for pet products.

Fiverr IPO

Fiverr’s IPO in 2019 marked a significant moment for the gig economy and the digital marketplace industry. Founded in 2010, Fiverr established itself as a platform where freelancers could offer a wide range of services, from graphic design and digital marketing to writing and translation. Its business model was based on providing an easy-to-use platform that connected freelancers with businesses and individuals looking for specific services, starting at the nominal price of five dollars – a feature that inspired the company’s name.

When Fiverr went public in June 2019, it was a noteworthy event, particularly for the gig economy sector. The company priced its IPO at $21 per share, which was in line with its initial expectations. This pricing gave Fiverr a valuation of around $650 million, a significant figure that indicated investor confidence in the potential of digital marketplaces and the gig economy.

On its first day of trading, Fiverr’s stock experienced volatility. The shares opened higher but closed the day down from the opening price, reflecting a mix of investor excitement and caution. This initial performance was indicative of the broader market’s uncertain attitude towards gig economy businesses, many of which were grappling with challenges related to profitability and regulatory environments.

The interest in Fiverr’s IPO was driven by several factors. First, the company was tapping into a growing trend of freelance work and the increasing demand for flexible labor solutions. Its platform was well-positioned to benefit from the shift in work patterns, with more individuals seeking freelance work and businesses looking for on-demand talent.

Moreover, Fiverr’s global reach and diverse range of services made it an attractive platform for freelancers and clients alike, suggesting strong potential for growth. The company had also been expanding its services, moving beyond the $5 gigs to offer more comprehensive and higher-priced professional services.

However, like many platform-based companies in the gig economy, Fiverr was not profitable at the time of its IPO. The company had been investing heavily in marketing and technology to grow its user base and improve its platform. This ongoing investment, coupled with the challenges of managing a global marketplace of freelancers and clients, raised questions about its path to profitability.

In summary, Fiverr’s IPO in 2019 was a significant event that highlighted the growing influence of the gig economy and digital marketplaces. While it attracted investor interest due to its unique business model and growth potential, it also faced the common challenges of many tech startups, including achieving profitability and navigating a rapidly evolving industry. The company’s public offering was an important moment for the gig economy, showcasing both the opportunities and uncertainties of this emerging sector.

Peloton IPO

Peloton’s IPO in 2019 represented a notable event in the fitness and technology industry. The company, known for its high-end, interactive indoor cycling bikes and subscription-based digital workout content, had rapidly gained popularity, creating a community around its brand. Founded in 2012, Peloton blended hardware, software, and content to revolutionize home fitness, distinguishing itself with a model that offered convenience, engagement, and a sense of community.

Peloton went public in September 2019, amidst significant anticipation. The company priced its IPO at $29 per share, which was on the higher end of the expected range, suggesting strong investor interest. This pricing valued Peloton at around $8.1 billion, a testament to the high expectations from the market and the potential seen in the connected fitness space.

Upon its debut, Peloton’s stock experienced a mixed reception. The shares fell on the first day of trading, reflecting some investor skepticism about the company’s valuation and long-term profitability prospects. This reaction was somewhat surprising, given the pre-IPO excitement and the growing popularity of Peloton’s products.

Several factors contributed to the enthusiasm and also the caution surrounding Peloton’s IPO. On the positive side, Peloton had demonstrated impressive growth, with a rapidly expanding subscriber base and high levels of customer engagement. The company’s subscription model, offering live and on-demand fitness classes, provided a recurring revenue stream. Peloton’s focus on community and user experience, along with its high-quality equipment, had helped it cultivate a loyal customer base.

However, concerns were also prevalent. Peloton faced challenges typical of high-growth tech-oriented companies, including the need to continually invest in content creation, technology, and market expansion. Additionally, while Peloton had a first-mover advantage in the connected fitness space, the market was becoming increasingly competitive with traditional fitness companies and other tech firms entering the arena.

Moreover, Peloton’s profitability was a significant concern. Like many other tech IPOs of the era, Peloton was not profitable at the time of its public offering, having invested heavily in growth and expansion. The high cost of its equipment also raised questions about market saturation and the long-term sustainability of its business model, particularly in more price-sensitive markets.

In conclusion, Peloton’s IPO in 2019 was a momentous event, highlighting the convergence of fitness, technology, and media. It reflected the market’s interest in innovative fitness solutions and the potential of subscription-based models. However, the mixed performance of its stock post-IPO underscored the challenges faced by high-growth companies in balancing expansion, competition, and the path to profitability. Peloton’s journey in the public market became a case study in the opportunities and challenges within the burgeoning field of connected fitness.

Saudi Aramco IPO

Saudi Aramco’s IPO in 2019 was a landmark event in the global financial markets, marking the public debut of the world’s most profitable company and the national oil company of Saudi Arabia. The anticipation for this IPO was high, given the sheer size and significance of Aramco in the global oil industry. The company, officially known as Saudi Arabian Oil Company, has the largest proven crude oil reserves and is a leader in both oil production and exports.

The IPO was a central part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil. The public offering was initially announced in 2016, and after several delays and much speculation, it finally took place in December 2019 on the Tadawul, Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange.

Aramco set its IPO price at 32 riyals (approximately $8.53) per share, which was at the top end of the expected range. This pricing gave the company an initial valuation of $1.7 trillion, making it the world’s most valuable publicly traded company at the time, surpassing industry giants like Apple and Microsoft.

On its first day of trading, Aramco’s shares jumped by the maximum allowed 10%, hitting the $2 trillion valuation mark desired by Saudi leadership. This robust debut was a strong show of investor confidence in the company’s profitability and the allure of its vast oil reserves, despite the global shift towards renewable energy and concerns over climate change.

Several factors contributed to the historic nature of Aramco’s IPO. Firstly, the size and profitability of the company were unparalleled. Aramco was known for its low production costs and the sheer scale of its oil reserves. Additionally, the company had begun to diversify its operations, including investments in refining and petrochemicals, as part of the broader strategic vision of Saudi Arabia.

However, the IPO also had its share of challenges and criticisms. One major concern was the geopolitical risk associated with investing in a company that is essentially a state-owned entity of Saudi Arabia, a country at the center of various regional tensions and political dynamics. Furthermore, the long-term outlook for oil demand, amidst increasing focus on renewable energy and climate change concerns, also posed questions about the future valuation and growth prospects of the company.

In summary, Saudi Aramco’s IPO in 2019 was a historic and unprecedented event in the financial world. It highlighted the vast scale and profitability of the company while also bringing to the fore questions about geopolitical risks, the future of the oil industry, and the shifting landscape of global energy. The IPO was not just a financial milestone but also a strategic move within the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and modernization plans.

Cloudflare IPO

Cloudflare’s IPO in 2019 marked a significant event in the tech and cybersecurity industry. Known for its cloud-based services to secure and accelerate websites, Cloudflare had rapidly become an essential service for many online businesses. The company, founded in 2009, offered a range of services including content delivery networks (CDN), DDoS mitigation, Internet security, and distributed domain name server services.

Cloudflare went public in September 2019, amidst a growing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity and reliable web infrastructure. The company priced its IPO at $15 per share, giving it an initial valuation of about $4.4 billion. This valuation reflected the confidence of investors in Cloudflare’s potential for growth in a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure.

On its first day of trading, Cloudflare’s stock saw a positive response, opening at a higher price than the IPO valuation and closing the day with a significant gain. This reception was indicative of the market’s optimism about Cloudflare’s future, especially considering the increasing threats of cyber attacks and the growing dependence of businesses on online services.

The excitement around Cloudflare’s IPO was driven by a few key factors. Firstly, the company had a broad and diverse customer base, serving everything from small businesses to large enterprises, which underscored its scalability and market reach. Cloudflare’s technology was not only robust in protecting against cyber threats but also enhanced website performance, a dual benefit that made it attractive to a wide range of users.

However, despite its impressive technology and customer base, Cloudflare, like many tech startups, was not profitable at the time of its IPO. The company had been investing heavily in research and development and expanding its global network. This continuous investment was essential for staying ahead in the competitive and fast-evolving cybersecurity market but also meant that the path to profitability was a point of consideration for investors.

In summary, Cloudflare’s IPO in 2019 was a significant moment that underscored the growing importance of web infrastructure and cybersecurity in the digital age. The company’s successful transition to a public entity reflected investor confidence in its technology and business model. However, it also highlighted the typical challenges of tech startups, balancing innovation and market expansion with the quest for profitability in a competitive landscape.