Advertising technology firm Liftoff Mobile has set terms for a sizable initial public offering, signaling renewed investor interest in AI-driven marketing platforms ahead of its planned market debut. The Redwood City, California–based company is targeting proceeds of $711 million by offering 25.4 million shares at a proposed price range of $26 to $30. At the midpoint, Liftoff Mobile would enter the stock market with a fully diluted valuation of approximately $5.5 billion, making it one of the more closely watched technology IPOs of early 2026.

Company Background

Liftoff Mobile provides artificial intelligence–powered advertising and monetization software designed for mobile app developers and marketers. The company was formed in 2021 through the merger of Liftoff and Vungle, combining user acquisition tools with in-app advertising and monetization capabilities. Its platform helps advertisers acquire and re-engage users, while enabling publishers to optimize ad revenue across a wide range of mobile applications.

The company serves customers across multiple verticals, including social media, finance, entertainment, and gaming. As of September 30, 2025, Liftoff Mobile’s software development kit was integrated into more than 140,000 apps globally, connecting to roughly 1.4 billion daily active users. The company reported serving more than 1,000 marketers worldwide, underscoring its scale within the mobile advertising ecosystem. Founded in 2011, Liftoff Mobile is headquartered in Redwood City and has positioned itself as a data-driven alternative to traditional performance marketing platforms.

IPO Details

Liftoff Mobile plans to list its shares on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol LFTO, with pricing expected during the week of February 2, 2026. The company is offering 25.4 million shares, though the filing did not specify the split between primary and secondary shares. At the proposed range of $26 to $30 per share, the IPO would raise $660 million to $762 million in gross proceeds, depending on final pricing.

The underwriting syndicate is led by a broad group of investment banks, including Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, RBC Capital Markets, UBS Investment Bank, and Wells Fargo Securities, alongside several co-bookrunners.

Market Context & Opportunities

Liftoff Mobile is entering the public markets at a time when advertising technology valuations are stabilizing after a prolonged downturn. Growing adoption of AI in marketing, combined with increased mobile usage and app-based commerce, has renewed investor interest in platforms that can demonstrate scale and measurable performance. The company’s exposure to mobile gaming and app monetization positions it to benefit from long-term growth in digital engagement and global smartphone penetration.

Risks & Challenges

Despite its scale, Liftoff Mobile operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market dominated by large platforms and shifting privacy regulations. Changes to mobile operating systems, data usage policies, or advertiser spending could pressure growth and margins. As with many ad tech firms, sustained profitability and differentiation will remain key concerns for public market investors.

Closing Perspective

Liftoff Mobile’s IPO is shaping up to be a significant test of investor appetite for AI-enabled advertising platforms in 2026. If demand proves strong, the offering could help reopen the IPO window for growth-oriented software companies. If not, it may reinforce the view that public markets remain selective, even for scaled technology businesses with global reach.