6 most surprising IPOs

february 23, 2026

Images: Shutterstock; Data: Statista, Dec 2023

From the world's oldest IPO to 600% listing-day gains, here are some of the most unusual IPOs.

Google 

Shares of Google went public on August 19, 2004, opening at $85 apiece. The price was determined through the unconventional Dutch auction method.

Infosys

The Infosys IPO was launched in February 1993 at an issue price of ₹95. It was initially undersubscribed, prompting Morgan Stanley to pick up a 13% stake. But the stock made a strong debut at ₹185 in June.

Hyundai Motor India

The Korean auto giant was listed on the Indian bourses in October 2024, after raising a record ₹27,858.75 crore ($3.3 billion). It is India's largest IPO by issue size to date.

Saudi Aramco

Saudi Aramco holds the record for the world’s largest IPO, raising $25.6 billion by selling 3 billion shares as it went public on December 5, 2019.

Dutch East India Company

The world’s first IPO was launched over 400 years ago in August 1602 by the Dutch East India Company. In 1609, it paid its first dividend in spices, after incessant demands from investors.

TheGlobe.com

The IPO of the early social media firm TheGlobe.com saw a historic 606% single-day surge upon listing on November 13, 1998. The shares, issued at $9 each, closed at $63.50 apiece on the Nasdaq on Day 1.

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From NSE to Reliance Jio: Upcoming IPOs in 2026

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