Starting a business from scratch and taking it public is a dream for many entrepreneurs. It is the goal of many companies to scale and reach the stock market, but it requires a tremendous amount of work, funding and know-how to make it a reality. Selling shares to the public allows investors to purchase stock in the company and benefit from any success achieved, while likewise providing a wealth of resources and opportunities for the business to expand and grow. The path to taking a business public can be a long and challenging one, but with the right strategies and approaches, it is achievable.
The first key step towards getting a company on the stock market is selecting the right type of investment vehicle. There are a variety of structures available, ranging from initial public offerings (IPOs) to direct listing soft and hard approaches. An IPO is when a company sells its shares directly to the public, giving large and small investors the chance to buy for the first time. Direct listing is a less common option and allows companies to list their shares on a public exchange without raising any new capital. Depending on the goals of the company, entrepreneurs will need to make the decision on which option will work best for their situation.
In addition to the structure of the offering, the company will need to have measures in place to ensure a successful launch onto the market. The business must have a comprehensive understanding of its own financials, including its current valuation, current and possible future debt, total assets and liabilities. Companies also need to be aware of accounting and reporting standards and compliance with relevant regulations that may be involved in going public. Research into the markets that the company will be entering is also essential as it provides a broader understanding of the competitive landscape.
The market is constantly changing and the company must be aware of this and plan accordingly. Market trends can influence the success of the offering and can be used to plan marketing strategies to appeal to investors. Utilising social media, understanding industry news and industry thought leadership pieces can all provide valuable insight for the company. With the right preparation and research, the business can take these industry trends and apply them to its own offering.
It is also important for the company to have dedicated advisors who can provide guidance and insight. Experienced financial advisors, legal teams, and marketing experts can work with the business to create strategies that maximize the success of the offering. Having the right advisors will ensure they are well informed throughout the stock exchange process and can help guide the decisions that need to be made.
Lastly, it is essential for companies to have the right resources once their shares are put on the market. Being able to manage investor relations effectively is an important strategy for success. Utilising the correct trading platform and having the necessary procedures and protocols in place is essential. Such resources enable the company to meet reporting and disclosure requirements, as well as allowing the business to monitor and manage trading activity.
Developing A Comprehensive Business Plan
Having an informed and comprehensive business plan is vital for taking a company public. This plan should be multifaceted and consider every aspect of the business, from its current financial position to its growth strategies and potential risks going forward. The business plan should be developed in consultation with external advisors, accountants and legal teams to ensure accuracy and relevancy. The plan should also clearly outline the company’s long-term goals and provide clear strategies to achieving them. An effective business plan will help ensure companies are well positioned to take their business public and take advantage of any investor interest.
Advertising & Promotion
Advertising and promotion play a key role in getting a company on the stock market. Utilising the right channels and having an effective messaging strategy to appeal to potential investors is essential in the success of any offering. Companies should consider traditional, digital, and social media channels when crafting this messaging strategy, as well as PR and investor relations tactics to broaden their reach and appeal. Having the right marketing mix will help ensure the message and purpose of the offering is communicated clearly to potential investors.
Securing Funding
For many companies, securing funding is a key component to being able to go public. Without the necessary resources, the company will not be able to cover the costs associated with going public, such as filing and compliance fees, legal fees, and investor relations costs. In addition to funding, the company may need to restructure its current financials to ensure it is well positioned prior to launch, such as reducing or restructuring debt, or issuing new equity or debt to investors.
Research & Analysis
Engaging in thorough and comprehensive research and analysis of the markets and the industry is essential for companies looking to go public. It is important to understand the current market trends and the conditions of the industry, as well as the competition and the investment sentiment that exists. This will help the company understand what could be required to successfully launch the offering. Understand the macro and micro factors that impact the company’s sector and consider the benefits and risks associated with doing an IPO.