Instacart, a leading name in the app-based grocery delivery service sector, marked a significant milestone by officially going public on September 18, 2023.

This long-anticipated move comes after a period of rapid growth, making the Instacart IPO one of the most watched events of the year.

Instacart IPO: The Business

Founded in 2012 by CEO Apoorva Mehta alongside Max Mullen and Brandon Leonardo, Instacart has emerged from its San Francisco roots to dominate the North American online grocery market. Now available in over 5,500 cities, the service reaches 85% of U.S. households and more than 70% of Canadian households, partnering with over 700 retailers across more than 40,000 stores.

Originally focusing on groceries, Instacart has since expanded its offerings to include a broad range of products such as prescriptions, office supplies, electronics, and more, catering to the evolving needs of its users.

Pandemic Accelerated Demand for Online Ordering

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for Instacart, driving unprecedented demand for its services. With the addition of more than 15,000 new store locations to its platform, Instacart solidified its position as a crucial service for millions during the pandemic, offering no-contact delivery options to ensure safety and convenience.

Instacart Slashes $39 Billion Valuation

Despite its success, Instacart faced valuation adjustments. After reaching a $39 billion valuation in early 2021, the company recalibrated to $24 billion in March 2023, reflecting the volatile market conditions and investor sentiment shifts. However, this adjustment did not deter its march towards an IPO, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of Instacart’s business model.

Instacart IPO Confidential Filing Details

Instacart’s journey to its IPO was marked by a confidential filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), leading to its public offering of 22,000,000 shares of common stock at $30.00 per share on September 18, 2023. This offering included shares sold by both Instacart and certain selling stockholders, emphasizing the company’s robust market presence and future growth potential.

The shares, trading under the ticker symbol “CART” on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, highlight Instacart’s transition into a public entity, with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan leading the offering as book-running managers.

About Instacart

Instacart’s mission to revolutionize grocery shopping in North America has positioned it as a pivotal player in the technology and retail space. By offering an extensive marketplace that connects customers with retailers, Instacart facilitates a seamless online shopping experience, supported by a network of dedicated shoppers.

Looking Ahead: Post-IPO Growth and Innovation

With its IPO successfully completed, Instacart is poised for further expansion and innovation, aiming to enhance its service offerings and solidify its position in the market. The company’s adaptability and customer-focused approach will continue to drive its success in the evolving grocery delivery sector.

Investors and market watchers remain bullish on Instacart’s prospects, looking forward to its continued growth and impact on the grocery delivery industry.