Alibaba Group’s 2014 stock-market debut raised about $25 billion, setting the world record for the largest initial public offering before Saudi Aramco’s 2019 listing. Alibaba shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2014.
Alibaba is a Chinese technology company founded by Jack Ma and other entrepreneurs in 1999. Its businesses include online marketplaces, cloud computing, digital payments through related services, logistics, and entertainment. The company’s scale made its IPO one of the most closely watched listings in financial history.
The offering initially raised about $21.8 billion, and the underwriters’ overallotment option increased the total to roughly $25 billion. This is why sources may report slightly different figures. IPO proceeds measure money raised by selling shares, while market capitalization measures the value of all outstanding shares.