Technology & Innovation — November 29, 2011

What Might Happen if Facebook Was Floated?

If a public stock offering went ahead, some say Facebook would use the cash for more acquisitions and refine or work on new projects, such as a Facebook phone or netbook.

bigthinkeditor

What’s the Latest Development?

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday night that Facebook was readying for a possible public stock offering next spring which could raise up to $10b. If it does debut in 2012, Facebook’s IPO would dwarf that of any other dotcom waiting to go public. Farmville creator Zynga has filed for an IPO of up to $1bn. LinkedIn and Pandora, which floated this year, are now trading below the levels their stocks reached during their public debuts.

What’s the Big Idea?

Among ideas on what Facebook would do with the cash from an IPO, are making more acquisitions and refining or working on new projects, such as a rumoured Facebook phone or a netbook. Having tradeable stock would also allow it to once again easily attract engineering talent.

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The great free will debate featuring Michio Kaku and Steven Pinker

Who — or what — really controls your mind?

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The Past

The largest accidental explosion of all time

More than a century ago, Halifax suffered an accidental blast one-fifth the size of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

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Signs you’re burned out — and how to bounce back

If you don’t feel better after the weekend, the “burnout paradox” could explain why.

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7 min

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with

Laurie Santos

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