Netskope hits $8.8 billion valuation in Nasdaq debut as shares surge

Cybersecurity firm Netskope debuted on the Nasdaq on Thursday with a market valuation of $8.79 billion, as its shares surged 21% above the initial offer price. The Santa Clara–based company priced its IPO at $19 per share, raising $908.2 million by selling 47.8 million shares. The stock opened at $23, reflecting strong investor appetite.

The U.S. IPO market is experiencing its strongest wave in years, with recent successes like Figma highlighting pent-up demand. Netskope’s appeal is fueled by rising corporate spending on cybersecurity, especially as AI-driven threats expand. “AI is right in our wheelhouse … enabling companies to leverage it safely,” CEO Sanjay Beri told Reuters.

Founded in 2012, Netskope delivers cloud-based security solutions that protect apps, data, and websites. The company had previously been valued at $7.5 billion in a 2021 ICONIQ-led funding round. Beri noted that the IPO was oversubscribed 20 times and that going public will expand Netskope’s visibility in the market.

Analysts caution that despite the sector’s strong demand, IPO performances remain mixed. Rubrik has soared since listing, while SailPoint has struggled. Netskope’s future success will hinge on its profitability path and ability to navigate a competitive market against rivals like Palo Alto Networks and Zscaler.