Rippling's Force Strong: $16.8 Billion Valuation, Hmmm?

Size Matters Not But $16.8 Billion It Is!

Hmm a ripple in the Force I sense. Rippling the human resources software startup its valuation it has swelled to $16.8 billion. A number quite impressive yes. Raised $450 million they have. Strong with the Force their finances are. Buy shares from employees they will an additional $200 million. Generous they are. Size matters not...unless you're talking valuations hmmm? Then size it does matter!

IPO? No There Is Another...

IPO they seek not in the near future. Like a youngling avoiding a lightsaber duel hmm. Public markets changed they have. Inflation interest rates a path difficult to navigate. Profitable and slower growing that is the way to be says Parker Conrad the CEO. Layoffs he avoided wise he is. Always two there are no more no less. A master and an apprentice. Or in this case growth and profit needing balance they are.

Growth Strong With This One Hmmm!

Annual revenue growth well over 30% it is. Over $350 million their recurring revenue it reached by the end of 2023. Strong growth they have. Fixated on profits they are not at the moment. Patience young Padawans. "Do or do not. There is no try," but in business hmm sometimes trying IS doing! Even if profits are delayed hmm.

Competitors Many There Are

ADP Paychex Paycom Software Paylocity...many competitors there are. Like sand they are coarse rough irritating...and they get everywhere! Also Deel there is privately held. Rippling sued them they did for allegedly deploying a spy. A disturbance in the Force this is! Perhaps a dark side tactic hmmm? But from publicity business they may gain a twist of fate it is.

The Dark Side of Espionage?

Conrad suggests the lawsuit it may be boosting business. Companies talking to Rippling they are because of the case. A silver lining perhaps. "Fear is the path to the dark side...fear leads to anger...anger leads to hate...hate leads to suffering." But also sometimes a little bit of free advertising! Hmmm complicated it is.

Pick Up Near Labor Day The IPO Market Will

The IPO market pick up near Labor Day it will. So says FirstMark's Rick Heitzmann. Much to learn they still have. The Force is strong with Rippling but patience they must have. An IPO one day they may seek. But for now focus on growth they will. Remember "Luminous beings are we not this crude matter!" Even if that matter is billions of dollars hmmm?