Companies That Had Their IPO in 2014

The year 2014 marked a significant period for the stock market, with numerous high-profile companies making their initial public offerings (IPOs). From e-commerce giants to innovative tech startups, these companies sought public investment to fuel their growth and expansion. This article explores the most notable companies that had their IPO in 2014, examining their business models and the circumstances of their market debuts.

Major Companies That Had Their IPO in 2014

Alibaba (BABA)

IPO Date: September 19, 2014
IPO Price: $68

Alibaba’s IPO was historic, becoming the largest initial public offering in U.S. history at the time. The Chinese e-commerce behemoth raised approximately $25 billion on the New York Stock Exchange. Often described as China’s answer to Amazon, Alibaba’s public debut generated enormous investor interest and media attention worldwide. The company’s marketplace connected manufacturers and wholesalers with buyers across the globe, establishing a dominant position in the Asian e-commerce landscape.

Grubhub (GRUB)

IPO Date: April 4, 2014
IPO Price: $26

Grubhub went public after a decade as a leading online food delivery service. The company’s IPO was well-received by investors who recognized the growing potential of the food delivery market. Grubhub’s platform connected diners with local restaurants, offering convenient ordering and delivery services that were becoming increasingly popular among urban consumers.

Virgin America (VA)

IPO Date: November 13, 2014
IPO Price: $23

The budget airline partly owned by billionaire Richard Branson debuted on the Nasdaq exchange, selling 13.1 million shares to outside investors. Following the IPO, Branson maintained a 24.8% stake in the company, while hedge fund Cyrus Capital Partners held 32.8%. Virgin America positioned itself as a premium low-cost carrier with distinctive branding and customer service.

GoPro (GPRO)

IPO Date: June 25, 2014
IPO Price: $24

GoPro, the manufacturer of wearable action cameras, made its market debut in the summer of 2014. The company had established itself as the go-to brand for athletes and adventure enthusiasts looking to capture high-quality video of their exploits. GoPro’s innovative hardware and strong brand recognition made it an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the growing action camera market.

LendingClub (LC)

IPO Date: December 10, 2014
IPO Price: $15

LendingClub, an online marketplace connecting borrowers with investors, went public at the end of 2014. The fintech company’s peer-to-peer lending platform represented an innovative approach to financing, bypassing traditional banking institutions. LendingClub’s IPO raised more than $1 billion in gross proceeds, highlighting investor enthusiasm for alternative financial services.

Coupons.com (COUP)

IPO Date: March 7, 2014
IPO Price: $16

Coupons.com had a strong market debut, with shares nearly doubling on the first day of trading. The digital coupon platform allowed consumers to print coupons found on the site or show them on mobile devices to claim savings at brick-and-mortar retailers. This merger of online technology with traditional shopping represented an evolving retail landscape.

TrueCar (TRUE)

IPO Date: May 16, 2014
IPO Price: $9

TrueCar, an online automotive marketplace founded in 2005, connects consumers with certified dealers across the U.S. offering new and used vehicles. The company partnered with auto-buying programs for major retailers and financial institutions, including Sam’s Club, American Express, and Navy Federal Credit Union. TrueCar’s IPO raised approximately $70 million.

Zendesk (ZEN)

IPO Date: May 15, 2014
IPO Price: $9

Zendesk, a software-as-a-service company providing cloud-based customer service solutions, went public in mid-2014. The company offered enterprise-level help desk management, customer relationship management, and other customer service tools. Zendesk’s IPO represented growing investor interest in subscription-based software business models.

Synchrony Financial (SYF)

IPO Date: July 31, 2014
IPO Price: $23

Synchrony Financial, one of the largest private-label credit card providers in the U.S., debuted on the NYSE in 2014. The company, which had previously operated as a subsidiary of General Electric, offered store-branded credit cards for retailers and had partnerships with major brands across various sectors.

Ultragenyx (RARE)

IPO Date: January 30, 2014
IPO Price: $21

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical made its market debut early in 2014. The biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for rare and ultra-rare diseases, particularly genetic disorders. Ultragenyx represented the growing biotech sector and investor interest in specialized pharmaceutical companies addressing unmet medical needs.

Other Notable IPOs of 2014

Beyond these high-profile names, 2014 saw numerous other companies enter the public markets:

• JD.com: The Chinese e-commerce company raised $1.8 billion in its May 2014 IPO
• King Digital Entertainment: The maker of the popular mobile game Candy Crush went public in March 2014
• Weibo: China’s Twitter-like social media platform had its IPO in April 2014
• Hubspot: The inbound marketing software company went public in October 2014
• Wayfair: The online furniture retailer debuted on the public market in October 2014

Market Conditions for 2014 IPOs

The 2014 IPO market was particularly strong, building on momentum from 2013. Several factors contributed to this favorable environment:

• Low interest rates encouraged investors to seek returns in the equity markets
• Strong performance of tech stocks increased appetite for new offerings in the sector
• Growing consumer adoption of e-commerce and digital services validated business models
• Robust venture capital funding in previous years created a pipeline of companies ready to go public

Conclusion

The companies that had their IPO in 2014 represented diverse sectors, from technology and e-commerce to financial services and pharmaceuticals. Many of these companies introduced innovative business models that challenged traditional industry practices. Alibaba’s record-breaking offering highlighted the growing importance of Chinese companies in global markets, while the numerous tech IPOs demonstrated continued investor faith in digital transformation.

These 2014 IPOs occurred during a period of economic recovery and low interest rates, creating favorable conditions for companies seeking public investment. Whether established businesses or innovative startups, these companies chose 2014 as the year to take their next step in corporate growth through public market offerings.