Shares in Bending Spoons, the parent company of internet pioneer AOL, experienced a significant surge in their stock market debut on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The company priced its initial public offering (IPO) at $29 per share, raising approximately $1.7 billion. Shortly after trading commenced on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "BSP," the stock price jumped by an impressive 41%, valuing the company at an estimated $25.5 billion.
This IPO represents a notable return to Wall Street for AOL, a brand synonymous with the early days of the internet. Bending Spoons, an Italian-based technology firm founded in 2013, has a strategic focus on acquiring and revitalizing established tech companies. Its portfolio extends beyond AOL to include prominent digital services such as Eventbrite and Vimeo.
Bending Spoons' business model centers on reorganizing acquired companies, often leveraging artificial intelligence, to drive subscription-based revenue. The company reported a net income of $27.5 million on revenues of $601 million for the first quarter of 2026. The successful IPO comes at a time when the IPO market is showing signs of a broader resurgence, with other major companies also making their public debuts. The proceeds from the offering are earmarked for further acquisitions and investments, signaling Bending Spoons' continued growth ambitions.
