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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.

Netskope Targets $6.5 Billion Valuation in Upcoming U.S. IPO

Netskope, a cloud-based cybersecurity company, announced plans to raise up to $813 million in its U.S. initial public offering, aiming for a valuation of up to $6.5 billion. The IPO comes amid a rebound in listings after April’s tariff-driven market slump.

The Santa Clara-based firm will sell 47.8 million shares priced between $15 and $17 each, listing on the Nasdaq under the ticker “NTSK”.

Founded in 2012, Netskope provides cloud security solutions that protect apps, websites, and data from cyber threats. The company operates in the secure access service edge (SASE) market, competing with heavyweights like Palo Alto Networks and Zscaler. Gartner projects the SASE sector will grow from $7B in 2022 to $25B by 2027, reflecting rising demand for AI-powered cybersecurity amid more sophisticated attacks and the cloud shift.

Netskope’s client base includes Qualcomm and BMO, spanning mid-sized firms to global enterprises. Its last funding round in 2021, led by ICONIQ, Sequoia, and Accel, valued the firm at $7.5B.

The IPO follows rival Rubrik’s 2023 debut, whose shares have more than doubled since going public, underscoring investor appetite for cybersecurity plays.

Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan are lead underwriters.

Zscaler Raises Annual Revenue Forecast Due to Rising Demand for Cybersecurity Services

Zscaler (ZS.O) raised its revenue forecast for fiscal 2025 on Wednesday, reflecting growing demand for its cloud-based cybersecurity solutions. Shares of the California-based company surged 6% in after-hours trading.

Enterprises are increasingly investing in AI-powered cybersecurity services to combat the rise in digital scams and online hacking, driving sales for companies like Zscaler. As a result, the company now expects annual revenue for fiscal 2025 to fall between $2.64 billion and $2.65 billion, up from its previous forecast of $2.62 billion to $2.64 billion.

Zscaler also raised its adjusted earnings per share forecast to a range of $3.04 to $3.09, up from the previous expectation of $2.94 to $2.99 per share.

“Growing adoption of Zero Trust and AI is driving strong demand for our platform,” said Zscaler CEO Jay Chaudhry, highlighting the increasing reliance on their services for secure cloud access.

The company projected third-quarter revenue between $665 million and $667 million, slightly below the median analyst estimate of $667.4 million.

In the face of rising cybercrimes, data breaches, online scams, and high-profile hacks, businesses are ramping up their investment in cybersecurity. Zscaler posted second-quarter revenue of $647.9 million, exceeding analysts’ forecast of $635.6 million.