what is an ipo 
an ipo is an initial public offering which means a large company is selling shares to the public for the first time an ipo is a way for companies to raise money from public investors after an ipo the company s shares are available to buy and sell on a public stock exchange who underwrites an ipo initial public offerings ipos are usually underwritten by investment banks these banks usually have ipo specialists on staff who work with the company making the ipo to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met the bottom line