IPO

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) marks a pivotal moment for a private company, as it represents the first instance its stock is offered for sale to the general public on a stock exchange. This process allows a company to raise significant capital from public investors to fund expansion, pay off debt, or simply provide liquidity for early investors and founders. Underwritten by investment banks, an IPO involves a rigorous regulatory process, detailed financial disclosures, and often a "roadshow" where company executives present to potential institutional investors to generate interest and determine the offering price.