As one of the prominent social media giants, Reddit is engaging in talks with potential investors as it explores the prospect of an IPO. This development reflects Reddit's growing interest in the public markets, aligning with a broader trend of companies eyeing the first quarter of 2024 for potential IPOs in anticipation of a more stable market environment.
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SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 16: In this photo illustration, The Reddit logo is displayed on a computer screen on December 16, 2021 in San Anselmo, California. Reddit has confidentially filed paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO) with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Discussing with Potential Investors
Reddit reportedly engages in discussions with potential investors for its initial public offering (IPO). Bloomberg reported that the social media giant is contemplating a public debut as early as the first quarter of 2024.
Despite declining to comment on the speculation, a Reddit spokesperson referred to a quiet period. The company, working with investment banks, explores the IPO possibility, with previous reports indicating a potential valuation of up to $15 billion.
Reddit's current initiatives indicate a heightened interest in the public markets amid a recovering IPO landscape. Despite recent challenges in the U.S. IPO market, characterized by market volatility and lackluster performances, companies like Reddit are eyeing the first quarter of 2024 for potential IPOs, anticipating a more stable market.
In December 2021, TechCrunch reported that Reddit confidentially submitted a draft registration statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering (IPO). This move followed a substantial $410 million financing round, led by Fidelity, which valued Reddit at $10 billion.
Although plans for the IPO did not materialize, Reddit had initially aimed to close the Series F funding round at $700 million. In January 2022, the company took steps toward the IPO by engaging Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs for the listing process, contemplating a valuation of up to $15 billion at that time.
Also Read: Learn More About Reddit's New CFO Drew Vollero as The Company Prepares for IPO
Established in 2005, Reddit has gained immense popularity as a leading social platform. It gained widespread recognition, particularly through one of its subreddits, WallStreetBets, which played a pivotal role in popularizing meme stocks in the stock market.
More recently, in May, reports surfaced about Reddit's strategic plans to make a significant foray into social commerce. This potential move is expected to boost Reddit's valuation and contribute to its IPO readiness.
Other Companies
Pymnts reported that several companies are contemplating a public debut in the near future, signaling a growing interest in the public markets. Cloud and data security startup Rubrik, supported by Microsoft, is reportedly exploring an IPO in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian's Skims underwear label, valued at $4 billion, is considering strategic options, including a potential IPO in the upcoming year.
Although plans may evolve, the fact that these companies are actively exploring IPO options reflects a heightened interest in the public markets. Following a subdued IPO landscape last year, 2023 is anticipated to surpass the volume of 2022, with expectations for increased opportunities in 2024.
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