IPO (Börsengang)
A company's first sale of shares to the public, i.e. its stock market debut.
In short
As of 5 October 2026An IPO (initial public offering) is a company's stock market debut, the first sale of its shares to the public. The company raises money for growth, or existing owners sell part of their stake. Porsche AG, for example, listed in Frankfurt in September 2022. An IPO is no guaranteed gain; many new stocks later trade below their offer price.
IPO stands for initial public offering. A previously private company offers its shares on the stock exchange for the first time. It raises money for growth, or existing owners sell part of their stake.
Before the launch a price range is set and investors can subscribe. On the first trading day the market decides the price.
Example: Porsche AG listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in September 2022. An IPO is no sure win. Many new stocks trade below their offer price after a while, because valuations at launch are often ambitious.
Related terms
Sources
As of 5 October 2026 · Educational content, not investment or tax advice.