IPO Readiness

Exciting. Transformative. Complex. Challenging.

Taking your company public is an exhilarating milestone that forever changes the way you do business. But the path to an IPO can be strenuous. Leaders of up-and-coming companies find their hands full with balancing new regulatory requirements, investor demands and operational shifts on top of their existing responsibilities. Navigating this pivotal stage of growth with a trusted advisor makes all the difference.

Our IPO Readiness team – comprised of experienced subject matter experts in technical accounting, risk assurance, transaction advisory, and more – works closely with you and your business from start to finish, providing crucial support before, during and after the IPO process.

What is IPO readiness?

IPO readiness consists of a comprehensive set of preparations across strategy, accounting, finance, law and operations for companies planning to execute an initial public offering (IPO) or special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger. This process, which typically spans 6-24 months, ensures that the company can effectively complete its transaction and that it is set up for success as a public reporting entity that will face vastly new and voluminous requirements. The IPO readiness process also ensures that a company is able to comply with regulatory standards – such as those set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Above all, it prepares the executive function to handle the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading a public company. 

The private-to-public transition calls for change in many major areas of a business. While each company has its own set of strengths and challenges that make its journey unique, the IPO readiness process for most can be divided into three distinct phases: assessment, preparation and execution.  

Here’s what each of these phases entail – and how we help at each step of the way.

Why IPO readiness makes a difference 

There’s a lot that goes into being ready for an IPO. Without adequate preparation, companies can face serious complications that affect the immediate IPO process and may also have long-term impacts on the company’s health, disrupting day-to-day operations and harming future market performance. Key risks include: 

• Financial misstatements and GAAP noncompliance 
• Inability to meet audit and financial reporting deadlines 
• Difficulty dealing with regulators and filing requirements 
• Governance deficiencies 
• Day-to-day business disruptions 
• Resource mismanagement 
• Inability to time the market during favorable periods 
• Inability to forecast results for investors 
• Difficulty meeting post-IPO expectations from investors 
• Stakeholder dissatisfaction

The best way to reduce these risks is to adequately prepare through IPO readiness. 

Partner with us: the BPM advantage 

Through our expansive experience as a high-growth regional firm, we know that being just good at one thing isn’t good enough to support our clients’ needs – so, we’re interdisciplinary in more ways than one. Our IPO readiness team is comprised of well-versed advisors across technical accounting and SEC compliance, risk assurance, transaction advisory, business valuation services, and HR consulting – all under one roof. But most importantly, we believe that we can best serve our clients when our people think big picture and act accordingly.  

When you partner with BPM, you’re getting more than just subject matter experts with years of experience in the IPO space. You’re getting project managers who know how to break down a complex process into manageable steps and how to approach each step with efficiency and timeliness. You’re getting clear communicators who collaborate with your team, your auditors, your lawyers and your bankers to all work towards your goal of going public. You’re getting advisors who understand long-term growth strategies and how the IPO process fits into your company’s overall story. 

That’s the BPM advantage. 

Our IPO readiness services equip companies with the knowledge, structure and strategies they need to make the jump from private to public. Working with us also helps: 

• Identify potential roadblocks: Bringing the most up-to-date knowledge on regulatory trending topics and SEC hot button issues allows us to be proactive in identifying and addressing the toughest parts of the IPO process. 
• Alleviate your time constraints: Having us handle complex operational assessments, filings and other time-consuming parts of the IPO process allows you to focus on core business functions. 
• Build up your people: Sharing our expert knowledge with your teams helps bolster in-house talent, setting up your C-Suite and junior members for success post-IPO.

From Day 1 of IPO readiness to Day 1 of being a public company and beyond, we’ll be a trusted partner for not only your business, but you and your team – Because People Matter. 

Is your company IPO ready? 

Whether an IPO is years down the road or today’s biggest priority, it’s never too soon to start the readiness process. Getting your people and your plans primed for a successful listing takes not just time, but the experience to know what to look for and how to get things done. We’re committed to helping every step of the way. 

Interested in learning more? Reach out to our IPO readiness team – let’s connect.