IPO (Initial Public Offering) is the process through which a company first offers its shares to the public for trading on a stock exchange. The purpose of an IPO is to raise capital for business growth, debt repayment, or other corporate needs. After the IPO, the company's shares begin trading on public markets and are available to a broad range of investors. This move can increase the company's visibility and prestige, but it also comes with additional regulatory obligations and public scrutiny.