Taking your private company public is a major milestone—and a massive transformation. It opens the door to raising substantial capital, increasing market visibility, and scaling at a whole new level. But going public isn’t just about ringing the bell at the stock exchange; it’s a complex process with serious regulatory, financial, and operational implications.
If you’re considering taking your private business public, this guide will walk you through the key steps, pros and cons, and what to expect along the way.
What Does It Mean to “Go Public”?
A public company is one whose shares are traded on a stock exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ. When you “go public,” you’re offering ownership (shares) to the public in exchange for capital.
The process of going public is usually done through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), but there are other methods too (more on that later).
Why Go Public?
Here are some common reasons companies decide to go public:
- Raise Capital: Fuel growth, expand operations, or invest in R&D.
- Liquidity for Owners: Founders and early investors can cash out or reduce risk.
- Enhanced Reputation: Greater visibility, credibility, and trust in the marketplace.
- Attract Talent: Public companies can offer stock options to attract top-tier employees.
- M&A Opportunities: Public companies are often better positioned to acquire or be acquired.
Step-by-Step: How to Go From Private to Public
1. Evaluate Readiness
Before anything else, you’ll need to assess if your company is IPO-ready:
- Solid revenue growth
- Proven business model
- Strong management team
- Scalable infrastructure
- Clean financials and good governance
Going public adds a ton of scrutiny. Make sure your company can handle the pressure.
2. Hire the Right Team
Going public is a team effort. You’ll need:
- Investment Bank(s): To underwrite the IPO and help price and sell shares.
- Lawyers: To handle SEC filings, legal structure, and regulatory compliance.
- Accountants: To audit financials and ensure SEC reporting standards are met.
- Public Relations Firm: To craft your story for investors and the media.
- Internal Leadership: Especially a strong CFO and legal/compliance team.
3. Choose Your Method of Going Public
There are three main ways to go public:
- Initial Public Offering (IPO): The most common route—sell shares to the public with the help of underwriters.
- Direct Listing: Skip underwriters and list existing shares directly on an exchange.
- SPAC Merger: Merge with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company that’s already public.
Each path has its pros and cons. IPOs offer capital, but they’re expensive. Direct listings are cheaper but don’t raise new money. SPACs are faster but may face regulatory scrutiny.
4. Organize Financials & Audit Requirements
You must provide audited financial statements—usually for the last two to three years. These must comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and be reviewed by a PCAOB-registered accounting firm.
Also, prepare to meet ongoing reporting requirements:
- Quarterly earnings reports (10-Q)
- Annual financial statements (10-K)
- Event-driven reports (8-K)
5. File an S-1 Registration with the SEC
This is a detailed legal document that includes:
- Company overview
- Risk factors
- Management bios
- Financial statements
- Use of proceeds
- Ownership structure
The SEC will review the S-1 and may request changes before granting approval to go public.
6. Create an Investor Roadshow
This is your chance to pitch your company to potential institutional investors. The roadshow is typically led by your investment bank and lasts 1–2 weeks.
It’s all about storytelling: revenue growth, future strategy, your competitive edge, and why you’re worth investing in.
7. Price and Launch Your Offering
Once the roadshow is done, the underwriters and your company will decide on:
- How many shares to sell
- At what price
Once set, shares begin trading on the public exchange—congratulations, you’re officially a public company!
Post-IPO Life: What Changes?
Going public isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter.
You’ll need to:
- Report quarterly and annually to the SEC
- Manage investor relations and shareholders
- Maintain compliance with corporate governance standards
- Handle fluctuations in stock price and market perception
- Be ready for public scrutiny—every move is visible
Pros and Cons of Going Public
✅ Pros:
- Access to capital
- Liquidity for investors and employees
- Enhanced brand and market presence
- Greater valuation potential
❌ Cons:
- High costs (legal, accounting, underwriting)
- Intense regulatory requirements
- Pressure to meet quarterly expectations
- Loss of some control and privacy
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from a private to a public company is a bold and complex move—but it can unlock tremendous opportunities for growth and expansion. The key is preparation: understand the process, build the right team, and weigh your strategic goals carefully.
Thinking about going public? Talk to your legal and financial advisors early, and map out a long-term plan that aligns with your company’s mission and market potential.