Menu Close
Array
(
    [title] => 
    [video] => 
)

How to Buy Databricks Stock Pre-IPO: A Complete Guide

databricks logo on black background

What is Databricks?

Databricks1 is a leading company in the data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Founded in 2013 by the creators of Apache Spark, it has become a key player in helping businesses use large amounts of data to make smarter decisions. At its core, Databricks provides2 a cloud-based platform that allows companies to store, process, and analyze their data efficiently, using AI and machine learning to uncover valuable insights.

A big part of what makes Databricks unique is its Lakehouse architecture. To break it down simply, a lakehouse is a combination of two common3 types of data storage systems: a data lake and a data warehouse.

What is Data Lake?

A data lake is where businesses store massive amounts of raw data, like videos, images, and documents, without much structure.

What is Data Warehouse?

A data warehouse, on the other hand, organizes data neatly in tables, making it easier to run reports and analyses.

The lakehouse blends these two systems, allowing companies to keep their data in one place, whether it’s structured (organized) or unstructured (raw). This makes it easier for businesses to manage their data and use it for things like business analysis or training AI models.

For investors, Databricks is an exciting opportunity because it’s growing rapidly and plays a crucial role in the future of AI-driven data analysis. Accredited investors have the chance to invest in Databricks before it goes public, which we will discuss in this article.

Databricks’ Funding History

Databricks’ growth has been nothing short of remarkable, with $3.6 billion raised through 12 funding rounds, securing it a strong position in the market. The company’s Series I funding round, completed in September 2023, raised $500 million, bringing its valuation to a staggering $43 billion. This valuation reflects not only the company’s dominance in the data and AI market but also its growth trajectory, with revenues surpassing $1.6 billion in 2023.

Some of the most renowned investors have placed their confidence in Databricks, including tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and venture capital heavyweights like Andreessen Horowitz and Franklin Templeton. These investments underscore the strategic importance of Databricks in driving AI-driven business transformation.

Databricks’ impressive list of funding rounds includes:

  • Series A (2013): $14 million led by Andreessen Horowitz.
  • Series B (2014): $33 million led by New Enterprise Associates.
  • Series C (2016): $60 million led by New Enterprise Associates.
  • Series D (2017): $140 million at a $900 million post-money valuation led by Andreessen Horowitz.
  • Series E (2019): $250 million at a $2.7 billion post-money valuation led by Andreessen Horowitz.
  • Series F (2019): $400 million at a $6.2 billion post-money valuation led by Andreessen Horowitz.
  • Series G (2021): $1 billion at a $28 billion post-money valuation led by Franklin Templeton.
  • Series H (2021): $1.6 billion at a $38 billion post-money valuation led by Morgan Stanley.
  • Series I (2023): $500 million at a $43 billion post-money valuation led by T. Rowe Price.

In addition to its financial backing, Databricks has expanded through acquisitions, further enhancing its capabilities. One of its notable acquisitions includes MosaicML, an open-source AI startup that Databricks acquired for $1.3 billion in 2023. This acquisition is a testament to Databricks’ commitment to staying ahead in the AI and data space.

Related Reading: How to Invest in AI

Key Partnerships and Innovations

Over the years, Databricks has formed key partnerships that have solidified its position in the tech industry. A major milestone was its partnership with Microsoft in 2017, which introduced Azure Databricks as a first-party service. This integration made it easier for businesses to leverage Databricks’ advanced analytics and AI capabilities in conjunction with Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.

In 2021, Databricks expanded its cloud presence with Google Cloud Databricks, furthering its reach across multiple cloud platforms. This multi-cloud approach has allowed Databricks to cater to a wider range of enterprise customers and deliver scalable solutions that meet the diverse needs of different industries.

Technological innovations have been at the heart of Databricks’ success. Its flagship Lakehouse architecture combines the best features of data warehouses and data lakes, allowing organizations to process structured and unstructured data for both business intelligence (BI) and AI applications. Moreover, Delta Lake, an open-source project developed by Databricks, has become a key tool for enterprises to improve data reliability and performance for machine learning and data science use cases.

How to Invest in Databricks Stock

Pre-IPO Opportunity

For investors eager to capitalize on Databricks’ success, buying stock pre-IPO is a compelling opportunity. Pre-IPO investing allows investors to get economic interest in a company before a company goes public, offering the potential for significant returns once the company hits the public market. If you’re an accredited investor, you can gain early exposure to Databricks through Linqto.

Post-IPO Potential: What to Expect

Though Databricks has yet to announce a formal IPO date, there is growing anticipation for the company to go public, with industry insiders speculating that the IPO could happen as early as 2025. When the company goes public, it is likely to generate considerable interest from retail and institutional investors alike, given its leadership in the AI and data analytics sector.

Post-IPO, Databricks stock will likely be available on major stock exchanges, and investors will be able to purchase shares through traditional brokerage accounts. Keep an eye on Databricks’ IPO announcements and filings to ensure you’re prepared when the stock becomes available.

Why Invest in Databricks?

Growth Potential

Databricks’ valuation and growth are a reflection of its massive potential in the AI and data-driven world. With a client base that includes thousands of global enterprises, Databricks has proven its ability to scale and meet the needs of businesses across various industries. As AI continues to reshape industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, Databricks is well-positioned to be a major player in this transformation.

The company’s $43 billion valuation is supported by strong revenue growth, strategic acquisitions, and continuous innovation in AI and data analytics technologies. With over $3.6 billion in total funding, Databricks has the financial resources and expertise to sustain its growth trajectory in a competitive market.

AI & Data-Driven Future

As industries become more data-driven, the demand for platforms like Databricks, which simplifies and accelerates data processing and AI workloads, will only increase. Databricks is at the forefront of the AI revolution, helping businesses harness the power of AI to make better decisions, drive efficiencies, and create new revenue streams. The acquisition of MosaicML further solidifies Databricks’ place in the AI ecosystem, allowing customers to build and fine-tune their own AI models.

The company’s products like Databricks Lakehouse Platform and Databricks SQL Analytics have proven to be game-changers for enterprises looking to break down data silos and build AI-driven insights. Databricks is not just an AI and data platform; it is an enabler of innovation across industries.

Risks and Considerations

Market Volatility

Investing in pre-IPO or fast-growing tech companies always carries risk. While Databricks presents an attractive opportunity, the tech market is known for its volatility. Rapid changes in technology and shifting market trends could affect Databricks’ valuation and business model in the future. Investors should weigh these risks against the potential for high returns.

Valuation Concerns

With a $43 billion valuation, some investors may worry about potential overvaluation, especially in a competitive landscape where companies like Snowflake and C3.ai are also vying for dominance in the data space. While Databricks has shown consistent growth, it is important to consider the broader market dynamics and competitive pressures before making an investment decision.

FAQs

How to buy Databricks stock pre-IPO?

Accredited investors can invest in Databricks pre-IPO stock through Linqto, which offers access to private market investing opportunities.

What is Databricks’ current valuation?

Databricks was valued at $43 billion following its Series I funding round in September 2023.

When is Databricks going public?

Although no formal date has been set, industry analysts speculate that Databricks may go public as early as 2025.

Is Databricks a good investment?

Databricks presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its leadership in the AI and data analytics space. However, like any investment, especially in high-growth sectors, there are risks, including market volatility and competitive pressures.

Who are Databricks’ competitors?

Databricks competes with several companies in the data and AI space, including Snowflake, C3.ai, and Dataiku.

  1. test ↩︎
  2. test4 ↩︎
  3. test 2 ↩︎

Author

Linqto Team

Linqto Team

Nullam dolor felis, posuere et risus consequat maximus nisi. Aliquam viverra purus ut ultricies sodales.