What Is an IPO? How an Initial Public Offering Works

Written by Jainam Resources

Last Updated on: July 15, 2025

Introduction

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is a significant milestone for any company. It marks the transition from being privately held to publicly traded on the stock market. But what exactly does this mean? Simply put, an IPO allows a company to raise capital by offering its shares to the public for the first time. This process not only provides the company with funds to fuel its growth but also offers investors the chance to own a piece of the company’s future.

In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at the IPO process, how it works, and why it matters to both companies and investors. Whether you’re curious about the IPO listing process, exploring new IPO listings, or planning your next IPO investment, this guide has you covered.

The IPO Process: How IPO Works

Understanding how IPO works is crucial for anyone involved in the stock market. In an IPO, various stakeholders including underwriters and investors play intricate roles, and understanding these roles is crucial for anyone looking to invest. The IPO process includes:

1. Planning Stage:

The IPO process begins with meticulous planning. During this stage, the company evaluates its readiness to go public by assessing its financial health, growth prospects, and overall market conditions. Key activities include:

• Assessing Financial Health: Companies ensure their financial statements are audited and compliant with regulations. Strong financials can attract more investors.
• Market Research: Understanding market sentiment and timing the IPO launch to align with favorable economic conditions.
• Internal Preparations: Companies may restructure operations, reduce debts, or address governance issues to present a compelling case to investors.

The goal of this stage is to determine whether the company is ready to meet the rigorous demands of public ownership and regulatory scrutiny.

2. Hiring Investment Banks:

Investment banks, also known as underwriters, are brought on board to guide the company through the various stages of an IPO process. Their responsibilities include:

• Valuation: Helping determine the company’s market value, which influences the IPO share price.
• Drafting the Prospectus: Assisting with the preparation of documents, including the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP).
• Marketing the IPO: Running roadshows and other promotional activities to generate interest among institutional and retail investors.
• Risk Management: Underwriters often guarantee the sale of shares by purchasing any unsold portion, ensuring the IPO is a success.

Investment banks act as the bridge between the company and potential investors, playing a vital role in the IPO’s success.

3. Regulatory Filings:

This stage involves submitting detailed documentation to the relevant regulatory authority in India, this is the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Key steps include:

• Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP): This document provides detailed information about the company, including financials, business strategy, risks, and how the funds will be used.
• Approval Process: SEBI reviews the DRHP to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory norms. Once approved, the company can proceed with the IPO.
• Investor Confidence: Regulatory oversight assures investors that the company meets the highest standards of accountability and governance.

This stage establishes trust and credibility, essential for attracting investor interest.

4. Roadshows:

Roadshows are an integral part of the IPO process, where the company’s leadership team presents its case to institutional investors. Key elements include:

• Presentations: Management outlines the company’s vision, financial performance, and growth strategy.
• Engaging with Investors: One-on-one meetings and Q&A sessions help address investor queries and build confidence.
• Feedback Collection: Insights from potential investors help fine-tune pricing and demand estimates.

Roadshows create momentum for the IPO by generating interest and enthusiasm among key players in the market.

5. IPO Launch:

Once the regulatory approvals are in place and interest has been generated, the IPO is officially launched. During this phase:

• Book Building: Investors place bids within a specified price range, and the final IPO share price is determined based on demand.
• Subscription Period: Retail, institutional, and high-net-worth investors subscribe to the shares. High demand can lead to oversubscription, which is a positive indicator.
• Transparency: Real-time updates on subscription levels are made available to the public, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

The IPO launch is the culmination of months of preparation, offering investors the first opportunity to participate.

6. IPO Listing:

The final step is the IPO listing, where the company’s shares are traded publicly for the first time. Key aspects include:

• Stock Exchange: The company’s shares are listed on platforms like NSE and BSE in India.
• Listing Price: The opening price is determined by demand and supply during pre-market sessions.
• Trading Begins: Investors can now buy and sell the company’s shares in the open market.
• Impact on Valuation: A strong debut often boosts the company’s valuation, while a weak one may indicate skepticism from the market.

The listing day marks the company’s official entry into the share market, providing liquidity to initial investors and setting the tone for its market journey.

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Types of IPOs

There are several types of IPOs, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. Understanding these types can help investors and companies make informed decisions. Here are the most common types of IPOs:

• Fixed Price IPO: In a fixed price IPO, the company sets a fixed price for the shares being offered. Investors can purchase the shares at this predetermined price. This type of IPO provides clarity on the investment amount required.
• Book Building IPO: In a book building IPO, the company sets a price range for the shares being offered. Investors can bid on the shares within this range, and the final price is determined based on demand. This method helps in discovering the market-driven price.
• Dutch Auction IPO: In a Dutch auction IPO, the company sets a minimum price for the shares being offered. Investors can bid on the shares at or above this minimum price. The final price is determined by the highest price at which all shares can be sold.
• Direct Listing IPO: In a direct listing IPO, the company lists its shares on a stock exchange without issuing new shares or raising capital. This method allows existing shareholders to sell their shares directly to the public, providing liquidity without dilution.

Benefits of an IPO

An IPO can provide several benefits to a company, making it an attractive option for many businesses. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Access to Capital: An IPO can provide a company with access to a large amount of capital. The company can use this capital to fund growth initiatives, pay off debt, or invest in new projects, driving expansion and innovation.
• Increased Visibility: Going public can increase a company’s visibility and credibility. This heightened profile can help attract new customers, partners, and investors, enhancing the company’s market position.
• Liquidity: An IPO can provide liquidity to a company’s shareholders. Once the company lists the shares for public trading, shareholders can sell them on the open market, providing an exit strategy and an opportunity to realize their investments.
• Improved Governance: An IPO can lead to improved governance. Public companies are subject to stricter regulatory requirements and must disclose more information to the public. This increased transparency can enhance corporate governance and accountability.

IPO in India: A Growing Market

India has firmly established itself as a thriving destination for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), driven by a combination of robust economic growth, a burgeoning middle class, and increased participation from both retail and institutional investors. The Indian IPO market has witnessed significant evolution over the past few decades, transitioning from sporadic public listings to a well-structured and vibrant marketplace that attracts global attention.

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The Drivers Behind India’s Growing IPO Market

Economic Growth and Industrial Expansion:

India’s rapid economic growth has created opportunities for businesses across sectors to expand. Companies from traditional industries like manufacturing and banking to new-age startups in technology, fintech, and renewable energy are leveraging IPOs to fuel their growth and innovation.

Favorable Government Policies:

Policies such as “Startup India” and “Make in India” have encouraged entrepreneurship and increased investor confidence. Regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) have streamlined the IPO process, making it more transparent and accessible for companies and investors alike.

Increased Retail Participation:

Over the years, retail investors have shown a growing interest in IPOs, thanks to increased financial literacy and the ease of accessing markets via digital platforms. Apps and brokers now offer seamless onboarding, allowing even first-time investors to participate in new IPO listings.

Growth of Domestic and Foreign Investment:

Both domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and foreign institutional investors (FIIs) actively participate in Indian IPOs. The attractive growth prospects of Indian companies make them appealing to a global audience, further boosting IPO subscription levels.

IPO Investment: Is It Worth It?

Investing in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) can be an exciting prospect for both seasoned and novice investors. In an IPO, both institutional and retail investors can participate, each bringing different advantages and challenges to the table. It offers an opportunity to be part of a company’s growth journey right from the start of its public market life. However, like any investment, IPOs come with their own set of risks and challenges. Before diving into an IPO, it’s essential to weigh the potential rewards against the risks by considering key factors like valuation, growth potential, and market sentiment.

1. Valuation: Is the Company’s IPO Share Price Justified?

One of the most critical aspects of IPO investment is evaluating whether the company’s IPO share price aligns with its intrinsic value. The valuation is determined during the book-building process, where the price is set based on demand from institutional and retail investors. However, this doesn’t always mean the price is fair or justified.

Premium Valuation Risks: Some companies price their IPOs at a premium, banking on market hype or investor optimism. This can result in overvaluation, leaving little room for price appreciation post-listing.

Financial Health: Assess the company’s financial performance, including revenue growth, profitability, and debt levels. Comparing these metrics to industry benchmarks helps determine whether the valuation is reasonable.

Comparable Companies: Evaluate the IPO share price relative to competitors or industry peers. A significantly higher price could indicate overvaluation, while a lower price might signal potential value or underlying risks.

Investors must adopt a cautious approach and avoid getting swept up in market enthusiasm without understanding the true worth of the company.

2. Growth Potential: Does the Company Have a Clear Roadmap for Future Growth?

The long-term success of an Pre IPO investment largely depends on the company’s ability to sustain and grow its business post-listing. Growth potential should be assessed based on:

Business Model and Industry Position: A company with a strong business model and a unique competitive advantage is better positioned for future growth. Look for companies operating in sectors with high growth potential, such as technology, renewable energy, or healthcare.

Management Team: A capable and experienced management team is crucial for executing growth strategies effectively. Assess the track record of the leadership and their ability to navigate market challenges.

Use of IPO Proceeds: Examine how the company plans to use the funds raised through the IPO. Growth-focused investments, such as expanding operations, entering new markets, or investing in research and development, are positive indicators.

Industry Trends: Evaluate whether the company’s industry is poised for growth. Sectors benefiting from technological advancements or government incentives often present better opportunities.

A clear roadmap for growth backed by strong fundamentals can significantly enhance the chances of a successful IPO investment.

3. Market Sentiment: Are Investors Optimistic About the Sector?

Market sentiment plays a significant role in the performance of IPOs, particularly on listing day. Positive sentiment can drive high demand, leading to oversubscription and strong listing gains, while negative sentiment can dampen enthusiasm and result in muted performance.

Economic and Market Conditions: Favorable economic conditions and bullish market trends create a conducive environment for IPOs. Conversely, bearish trends or economic uncertainty may lead to subdued interest.

Sector Sentiment: The performance of recent IPOs in the same sector can provide insights into investor appetite. For example, if multiple tech IPOs have performed well, it indicates strong interest in the sector.

Institutional Participation: High demand from institutional investors is often a positive signal, as these players conduct extensive due diligence before investing. Retail investors can use this as an indicator of confidence.

While market sentiment can drive short-term price movements, it’s essential to focus on the company’s fundamentals for long-term investment success.

How IPO Share Price Is Decided

Determining the IPO share price is one of the most critical steps in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) process. It not only sets the tone for the company’s market debut but also influences investor interest and confidence. The pricing is carefully calculated through a market-driven process called book-building, which ensures transparency and fairness.

The Book-Building Process: A Key Mechanism

The book-building process is a method of price discovery where investors bid for shares within a specified price range. This process balances the company’s need to raise funds with investors’ expectations of fair value. Here’s how it works:

Setting the Price Band:

• The company, in consultation with its underwriters, determines a price range called the price band.
• This range is based on factors like the company’s financial performance, market conditions, and peer valuations.
• For example, a company might set a price band of ₹100 to ₹120 per share.

Investor Bidding:

• During the subscription period, investors (institutional, high-net-worth individuals, and retail) place bids specifying the number of shares they want to buy and the price they are willing to pay within the price band.
• Institutional investors often bid for large quantities, providing early signals of demand.

Demand Aggregation:

• Once bidding closes, the system compiles bids into a demand schedule, showing the number of shares bid at various price points within the band.
• This process helps underwriters determine the cut-off price, where they can allocate the majority of shares.

Final Price Determination:

• The cut-off price is set where demand meets the supply of shares offered.
• If there’s high demand, the final price might be at the upper end of the range; if demand is weaker, it may be closer to the lower end.

IPO Risks and Considerations

While an IPO can offer numerous benefits, it also comes with several risks and considerations that companies must carefully evaluate. Here are some of the most significant risks and considerations:

• Cost: An IPO can be a costly process. Fees associated with underwriting, legal, accounting, and regulatory compliance can range from 5-15% of the total amount raised, making it a significant financial commitment.
• Time-Consuming: Preparing for an IPO can be a time-consuming process. It often requires several months of meticulous planning, documentation, and compliance efforts, diverting management’s attention from day-to-day operations.
• Regulatory Requirements: An IPO requires a company to comply with strict regulatory requirements. This includes the disclosure of detailed financial information and the implementation of robust corporate governance policies, which can be demanding and complex.
• Market Volatility: An IPO can be affected by market volatility. The company’s stock price may fluctuate significantly in the days and weeks following the IPO, influenced by market conditions, investor sentiment, and external factors.

By understanding these risks and considerations, companies can better prepare for the challenges of going public and make informed decisions about whether an IPO is the right path for their growth strategy.

Conclusion

The journey of an IPO represents a significant transformation for a company. It’s not only a means to raise capital but also an opportunity to elevate a company’s market position, credibility, and governance. For investors, IPOs offer a chance to participate in the growth stories of promising businesses from the very beginning. In India, the IPO market continues to grow robustly, offering ample opportunities for retail and institutional investors alike.

As one of the leading players in the Indian financial services landscape, Jainam Broking Ltd. plays a pivotal role in helping investors navigate the complexities of the IPO process. With its deep expertise and customer-focused approach, Jainam Broking Ltd. empowers investors to make informed decisions, ensuring they seize opportunities in the dynamic IPO market.

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