Internet, Coupons | featured news

Daily deals site Groupon Inc filed for an initial public offering, hoping to capitalize on the biggest investor stampede into Web start-ups since the dotcom bubble burst a decade ago.

Groupon is expected to pick Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley as its two lead underwriters for an IPO planned later this year. The IPO is expected to value the Chicago company at between $15 billion and $20 billion, these people said. The valuation could change depending on market conditions at the time of the IPO.

Facebook is making a big announcement today to the media — according to a tweet from tech blogger Robert Scoble — and many are expecting the social network to launch its own coupon service, Facebook Deals. 

LivingSocial has raised $400 million to help fuel its expansion and keep up with rival coupon website Groupon.

LivingSocial is in active talks with investors to raise around $400 million to $500 million to help fuel its expansion and keep up with rival Groupon.

As food makers lavish trips and goodies on parenting bloggers, critics see a shrewd marketing ploy. On most days, Andrea Deckard can be found in her home office, digging through stacks of coupons and grocery receipts for money saving tips and recipes that she can share with readers of her Mommy Snacks blog.