Last year, several things shaped the economy and financial markets, from tax cuts and trade wars to stock market volatility. Publications did not just cover these stories, though. Eyes were also on the surge of initial public offerings (IPOs) that occurred in the year (around 233 new IPOs).
With many recognizing 2018 as a triumphant year for public offerings, we can expect more to join the market in 2019. And those that have already debuted on the market this year have not disappointed: Zoom Video Communications (NASDAQ:ZM), for instance, soared 76% on its first day of trading on April 18.
But don’t worry if you’ve missed some of these opportunities. There are plenty more IPOs to come in the next few months. Below are some upcoming initial public offerings to watch out for in 2019.
Upcoming IPOs in 2019
1. Airbnb IPO
The official date of the Airbnb IPO is not yet known, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something to keep a tab on. Airbnb has seen significant growth in recent years, with social media platforms like Instagram playing a role, in addition to the sheer innovation behind the room-listing platform.
Whatever the exact source of its popularity is, Airbnb has still been so successful recently that it’s planning on a direct listing. And with the estimated value of Airbnb’s shares set at $30 billion dollars, this is something people should watch out for.
>> PBYI Stock Nosedives: Puma Biotechnology’s Nerlynx Revenue Falls
2. Robinhood IPO
In the crypto market, Robinhood, a feeless trading service, is well known. From adding various altcoins like Ethereum Classic and Bitcoin Cash to its platform, to rumors circulating that it’s building a crypto wallet, the platform is never deprived of market attention. And its intention to enter the IPO craze in 2019 will only add to that.
Similar to the Airbnb IPO, we don’t know the exact date for the Robinhood IPO yet. However, we do know about its pre-funding round back in May 2018. According to sources, in May 2018, Robinhood raised $363 million during its pre-funding round, pushing the estimates of its public offering to $5.6 billion. Not a bad estimate, right?
3. Postmates IPO
Again, similar to the popularity of Airbnb, Postmates has seen massive growth in the last year or so, likely helped by social media and the influx of Millennials and Gen Z that use it. But not everything is as it appears on social media. Postmates is facing serious competition from the likes of UberEats and GrubHub (NYSE:GRUB), and that’s why many speculate the company will be going public soon.
Of course, it’s not all speculation. Back in 2018, Postmates began consulting banks about the underwriting process. In September 2018, the company raised $300 million at a $1.2 billion valuation. Now, while that makes it a relatively small company, 2019 is still proving to be the right time for a Postmates IPO if the company wants to raise public capital and give itself a competitive edge.
4. Palantir Technologies IPO
A secretive data analytics and intelligence firm, you might recognize Palantir Technologies as reportedly playing a role in capturing Osama bin Laden in 2011.
>> Penny Stocks Growing: IZEA and Precipio Making Gains
Back in 2018, the company went to Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) as well as Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS) to inquire about an IPO. The company received estimated valuations as high as $41 billion. While quarterly Wall Street examinations have not been necessarily ideal, many speculate employees and investors are ready for liquidity.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
2019 is expected to bring many things, but new and exciting IPOs are a guarantee. Sometimes they fail; other times they don’t. Remaining aware, and doing your research beforehand, is the most important thing to do in these situations. And with the hype surrounding the aforementioned initial public offerings, we suggest doing just that.
Featured image: DepositPhotos © iqoncept
