An Initial Public Offering (IPO) marks the moment when a private company decides to offer its shares to the public for the first time. This move allows external investors, both individual and institutional, to buy a stake in the company, thereby becoming shareholders. Companies usually opt for an IPO to raise capital for various purposes like funding expansions, investing in new projects, or strengthening their financial position.

During an IPO, the company's shares are introduced to the stock market, typically through major exchanges such as Nasdaq or NYSE in the United States, or Borsa Istanbul in Turkey. This move signifies the company's transition from being privately held to becoming a publicly traded entity.

Investors interested in participating in an IPO can do so through brokerage platforms during the offering period. After the shares become available for trading on the market, investors can buy and sell these shares via stock trading platforms.