The IPO environment in 2025 promises to be highly active as leading firms from various sectors prepare to enter public markets.
UK IPOs to Watch in 2025
1. Shein (E-commerce)
Estimated Valuation: $30–66 billion
Industry: Online Retail
Listing Details: The fast-fashion e-commerce giant Shein plans a potential London stock market listing that represents its next significant phase of global growth. Shein remains under intense scrutiny as one of the most anticipated upcoming IPOs because of its affordable pricing strategy and wide-ranging product offerings.
2. Monzo (Digital Banking)
Estimated Valuation: Approximately $5.9 billion
Industry: Fintech/Digital Banking
Expected Timelines: The challenger bank plans to achieve IPO readiness status by late 2025. Monzo will likely captivate retail investors due to its approachable app and advanced features.
3. Waterstones (Retail)
Estimated Valuation: Details to be announced
Industry: Book Retail
Expected Timelines: The UK bookshop chain Waterstones is currently planning to go public through an IPO. The company's established brand and dedicated customer base will draw investor interest from those who favour businesses with longstanding market positions.
4. Revolut (Fintech)
Estimated Valuation: $60 billion
Industry: Fintech
Expected Timelines: Revolut stands out as a top IPO candidate for 2025 while maintaining its leadership position in digital financial services. Revolut provides digital financial solutions including money transfers and cryptocurrency trading which makes it highly attractive to investors seeking growth opportunities.
5. Other Notables
A group of UK corporations poised for an IPO includes Shawbrook, Ebury, Canopius, Zilch, RC Fornax, Metlen Energy & Metals, Parameta, and Unilever Ice Cream. These companies are active across multiple industries including finance and insurance to energy and consumer products demonstrating the multiple opportunities in the UK market.
US IPOs on the Radar
1. Stripe (Fintech)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Industry: Payments and Fintech
Expected Timelines: The highly-valued fintech company Stripe is projected to launch its initial public offering in 2025. The main service Stripe offers which allows for smooth online payments will probably attract substantial attention from institutional investors.
2. Databricks (AI/Big Data)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Industry: AI & Big Data Solutions
Expected Timelines: Enterprise-level AI solutions demand growth positions Databricks for a highly anticipated blockbuster IPO listing. This company helps businesses leverage data to power their decision-making processes.
3. Discord (Social Media)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Industry: Communication/Social Media
Expected Timelines: The expected release of Discord's IPO creates high anticipation due to its widespread popularity across gaming communities worldwide. The combination of its extensive features and dedicated user base establishes Discord as a compelling investment target.
4. Klarna (Fintech)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Industry: Payments and Financing
Expected Timelines: The Swedish 'Buy Now Pay Later' leader may launch its IPO in 2025. Klarna achieves substantial market penetration while building expanding partnerships which provide access to the flourishing fintech market.
5. Cerebras Systems (AI Hardware)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Industry: Artificial Intelligence Hardware
Expected Timelines: Cerebras Systems creates advanced AI chips and computing hardware that drive high-performance computing applications. The planned IPO of this company stands to receive substantial attention because of the global increase in focus on AI hardware technology.
International IPOs to Watch
1. Reliance Jio (Telecommunications, India)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Expected Timelines: The largest telecom operator in India, Reliance Jio, plans to launch its initial public offering in the year 2025. Jio benefits from market leadership while preparing to launch 5G services to fuel its growth potential.
2. Etihad Airways (Aviation, UAE)
Estimated Valuation: $5 billion
Expected Timelines: The UAE's leading airline is set to launch its highly anticipated IPO as a demonstration of Middle Eastern aviation sector recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Noon.com (E-commerce, UAE)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Expected Timelines: The UAE's top e-commerce platform Noon is investigating initial public offering avenues to support its further growth and international reach.
4. Masdar (Energy, UAE)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Expected Timelines: One of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies Masdar plans an IPO to finance sustainable energy solution development.
5. FIVE Holdings (Luxury Hospitality, UAE)
Estimated Valuation: Pending
Expected Timelines: The IPO of FIVE Holdings which represents ultra-luxury hospitality may attract investors who want to gain exposure to the profitable hospitality sector.
A look into how UK investors can participate in trading IPOs.
1. Accessing UK IPOs
The Winterflood Retail Access Platform (WRAP) allows investors to buy shares directly from UK-based IPOs. IPO share access is available through retail brokers like Hargreaves Lansdown and AJ Bell although their eligibility requirements differ.
2. Trading US IPOs
Investment in US market opportunities is available through UK brokers such as IG, eToro and Interactive Brokers. To participate in IPOs like Stripe and Databricks investors need to open a brokerage account that grants access to US stock exchanges. Investors might look into ETFs that target tech or fintech firms which could include these IPOs.
3. Investing in International IPOs
UK brokers generally offer Contracts for Difference (CFDs) for trading shares of foreign companies that are not listed in the UK or US such as Reliance Jio or Etihad Airways. Investors should look into international brokerage firms that specialise in providing access to companies listed in their respective regions.
4. Key Considerations Before Investing
Review the Prospectus: The IPO prospectus of every company contains vital details regarding its financial situation and business strategy as well as potential risks.
Understand the Risks: IPO investments exhibit volatility and often fail to provide immediate financial returns. Your long-term investment strategy must be consistent with your investments in them.
Diversify Your Portfolio: Do not funnel too much of your investment capital into one particular IPO or industry sector.
Final Thoughts
IPO fans will find 2025 to be an exhilarating year because of the dynamic combination of well-known brands and emerging companies. Investors will find substantial diversity in the pipeline which includes tech-focused disruptors like Stripe and Revolut and innovative firms in AI, renewable energy and ecommerce.
UK investors can effectively capitalise on IPO prospects by remaining knowledgeable about market trends, utilising user-friendly trading platforms and adhering to reliable investment strategies.
Seeking to gain an advantage in upcoming IPO opportunities? Begin your investment journey today by using a diversified toolkit designed to reach your financial objectives.