Stack Overflow operates a popular question-and-answer website for software developers and other professionals. The site receives millions of visitors each month and claims to have hosted 83 million questions and answers to date.
Like many companies, Stack Overflow is seeking to tap into the enormous potential of artificial intelligence (AI). In 2023, it launched Overflow AI to integrate generative AI into its public platform, Stack Overflow for Microsoft's (MSFT -1.11%) Teams, and other new products.
You might be an avid user of Stack Overflow and curious whether you can invest in the educational technology (edtech) company. Here's everything you need to know about investing in Stack Overflow stock.
Is Stack Overflow publicly traded?
Stack Overflow is not a publicly traded company. It is a private company owned by Prosus (PROSY -1.27%). The European internet and technology group acquired Stack Overflow for $1.8 billion in 2021.
When will Stack Overflow IPO?
As of late 2025, the web community for software developers is a subsidiary of European internet and technology giant Prosus and doesn't have an initial public offering (IPO) on the calendar.
Prosus doesn't have plans to sell a stake in the company via an IPO. Stack Overflow's focus has been on improving its profitability by reducing costs. It would likely need to significantly improve its profitability (and value) before Prosus would consider an IPO of Stack Overflow.
IPO
Tencent
Tencent (TCEHY -0.80%) is a Chinese technology company. It's one of the world's top video game publishers and a leading social media platform with more than 1 billion monthly active users. Naspers is also one of Tencent's top investors. Like Prosus, Tencent owns and invests in many other companies, which gives it a diversified technology portfolio.
How to buy stocks similar to Stack Overflow
People who want to buy one of these technology company alternatives to Stack Overflow can purchase shares in most brokerage accounts. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to invest in stocks.
- Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
The bottom line on Stack Overflow
While you can't invest directly in Stack Overflow, you can buy shares of its parent, Prosus. You could also consider investing in related companies (like Udemy or Tencent) or an ETF to gain exposure to the same trends driving its growth. With lots of growth ahead for edtech, AI, and other technologies, these investments could pay off in the coming years.
FAQ
About the Author
