From Saudi Aramco to Alibaba: 7 biggest IPOs before Elon Musk’s SpaceX market debut

As Elon Musk’s SpaceX prepares For what could become the largest IPO in history, investors are re-evaluating the blockbuster IPOs that previously dominated global markets. Reports suggest that SpaceX could seek a valuation close to $2 trillion and could potentially raise tens of billions of dollars if it were to list publicly. Business Content.

Here’s a look at the seven largest IPOs, ranked by funds raised by the amount raised during their initial public offerings.

Saudi Aramco – $29.4 billion (2019)

Saudi Aramco currently holds the record for the world’s largest IPO after raising nearly $29.4 billion during its listing on the Saudi Tadawul exchange in 2019. CNBC He reported that the oil giant reached this figure after exercising its supply-related green shoe option. The IPO was closely linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy beyond oil revenues. The listing briefly made Aramco the world’s most valuable public company.

Alibaba Group – $25 billion (2014)

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba raised nearly $25 billion at its launch on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014, making it the world’s largest IPO at the time. Accordingly KiplingerThe listing was a defining moment for China’s internet economy and catapulted founder Jack Ma into a global tech figure. Investors’ enthusiasm for Alibaba reflected growing confidence in China’s digital consumer market; At the time of the IPO, the company was valued at approximately $170 billion.

SoftBank Corp. – $23.5 billion (2018)

Japan’s SoftBank Corp., the telecommunications unit of SoftBank Group, raised more than $23 billion in its Tokyo listing in 2018. Reuters reported that the IPO became one of Japan’s largest-ever IPOs and attracted heavy participation from retail investors despite volatile market conditions.

Agricultural Bank of China – $22.1 billion (2010)

Agricultural Bank of China raised approximately $22.1 billion in 2010 through its dual listings in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Reuters It reported at the time that the IPO reflected the expansion of China’s banking sector during the country’s high economic growth phase. The listing was also seen as another sign of China’s growing influence on global financial markets following the 2008 financial crisis.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China – $21.9 billion (2006)

Before the Agricultural Bank of China, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) held the global IPO record, raising approximately $21.9 billion in 2006. BloombergThe listing marks a turning point for China’s financial markets as state-owned lenders expand their global footprint.

Visa – $17.9 billion (2008)

Visa’s IPO took place during the global financial crisis but still managed to raise close to $18 billion. Kiplinger reported that the payments giant later became one of the strongest-performing financial stocks despite launching during a turbulent time for markets. The offering demonstrated investors’ confidence in digital payment infrastructure even as traditional banking institutions struggle with the economic crisis.

Meta Platforms – $16 billion (2012)

Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms, raised nearly $16 billion at its Nasdaq launch in 2012. Reuters had described its IPO as one of Silicon Valley’s most anticipated listings. The stock initially struggled after going public due to concerns about mobile monetization and business disruptions at launch. But Meta later rebounded strongly and became one of the most valuable technology companies in the world.