An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process by which a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time, becoming a publicly traded company. An IPO allows the company to raise capital from public investors, which can be used for expansion, debt repayment, or other corporate purposes. The IPO process involves regulatory scrutiny, pricing negotiations, and roadshows to attract investors. Successful IPOs can enhance a company?s visibility, credibility, and access to funding.