Bending spoons is rapidly approaching listing on Wall StreetThe Italian tech unicorn, among the main European developers of mobile apps with around one billion users worldwide, has reportedly started the process of selection of banks who could accompany him in what is shaping up to be one of the most relevant Ipo European technologies of recent years.
According to what reported by Corriere della Sera, among the financial institutions in pole position are JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs e Morgan Stanley, although the consortium could be further expanded with the involvement of other major international investment banks. Market buzz indicates that possible participants include Intesa Sanpaolo, Unicredit e Bpm bank, already present in the $2,8 billion financing pool that supported the acquisition of AOL.
The operation is preparatory to a stock market launch which, according to analysts, could take place by 2026 or early 2027, with a possible placement of 30-35% of the capital. At this time, Bending Spoons has not released any official comments on the rumors.
Rising valuation and M&A strategy: over 50 acquisitions in just a few years
A November Bending Spoons has raised $710 million in one round which valued the company at $11 billion before the entry of new investors. The transaction strengthened the group's financial base and supported a growth strategy based on acquisitions of note, including America Online, Vimeo, Brightcove, WeTransfer, Evernote, komoot and more recently Eventbrite.
In total, the company has completed approximately 50 acquisitions, a path of expansion that has helped consolidate its position in the global market for digital apps and platforms. The three deals involving AOL, Vimeo, and Eventbrite, worth a total of more than $3 billion, are currently awaiting closing and represent the core of strategic moves that could lead to a valuation jump.
Towards a market capitalization of 20–30 billion and the S&P 500 target
In light of these developments and the expected results, a potential IPO could push the valuation of the Italian tech giant well beyond current levels. According to several market observers, the capitalization could be placed in a range including between 20 and 30 billion dollars. In case of strong investor demand or further acquisitions before the listing, the valuation could rise further, with the possibility of entering theS&P 500 index.
A stock market listing would represent an important opportunity for the valorization of the numerous Italian and international funds that have invested in the group led by CEO Luca Ferrari. control of the company, however, would remain in the hands of the founders: as revealed by MF-Milan Finance, Bending Spoons introduced the multiple vote at the beginning of last fall, a move designed specifically with the listing in mind.
