I want to take my company public solution center

Taking your company public is an exhilarating milestone that forever changes the way you do business. However, the journey requires navigating complex regulatory requirements, meeting investor expectations, and implementing significant operational changes—all while maintaining your core business functions. Success depends on comprehensive preparation across every aspect of your organization.

Your strategic guide to IPO readiness

Our IPO Readiness team works closely with you from initial assessment through public listing and beyond. With extensive experience helping companies become IPO-ready, we support your transformation into a public company prepared to meet market demands and regulatory requirements.

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IPO readiness: The critical path to becoming a public company 

IPO readiness requires strategic preparation across your company to meet public market standards. A structured approach helps transform operations, implement proper controls, and position leadership for success as a public company.

Assessment

Phase 1

Assessment

Understanding your current readiness and building your roadmap 

To kickstart the IPO readiness process, our team of seasoned advisors dives into your business to understand two things – where your company is and where it needs to go. We assess current operations and benchmark them against expectations for a public company, working closely with your leadership team to identify important gaps and how we’ll bridge them to address complex regulatory requirements ahead. 

What happens during this stage: 

  • You receive a comprehensive IPO readiness assessment across key functional areas. 
  • Your SEC listing method and filing requirements are determined.
  • Your accounting policies, procedures and financial reporting are evaluated.
  • The level of current GAAP and SEC reporting requirement compliance is assessed. 
  • Major accounting transactions, treatment and documentation are reviewed. 
  • Your closing processes and procedures are examined. 
  • Internal control compliance is evaluated. 
  • IT and technology infrastructure is assessed. 
  • PCAOB audit readiness is determined. 
  • Tax and transfer pricing due diligence is performed. 

Why BPM is valuable during this stage: 

  • We provide objective evaluation of your current state versus public company requirements.
  • We identify critical gaps that might delay your IPO process.
  • We develop a tailored roadmap with clear timelines and responsibilities.
  • We help prioritize initiatives based on impact and complexity.
  • We bring extensive experience from numerous successful IPO journeys.
  • We provide realistic guidance on timeline and resource requirements. 

Timing: This assessment phase typically occurs 18-24 months before your target IPO date, allowing sufficient time to address significant gaps. 

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Preparation

Phase 2

Preparation

Closing identified gaps and implementing public company infrastructure 

In the preparation phase, we close the distance on identified gaps. Before auditors and the SEC lay eyes on your company, we drive the process of addressing hindrances to a successful IPO through the implementation of new policies and technologies and the development of regulatory-compliant operations. 

What happens during this stage: 

  • Technical accounting assessments for complex transactions are conducted. 
  • GAAP-compliant policy and technical memorandums are created.
  • New accounting standards are implemented.
  • Month- and quarter-end closing processes are accelerated.
  • Financial reporting is uplifted to public company standards.
  • Segment reporting and non-GAAP measurement approaches are developed.
  • Financial statements are quarterized.
  • Material weaknesses in internal controls are remediated.
  • Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance program is established.
  • COSO framework for internal controls is implemented.
  • IPO working group with external advisors is assembled.
  • PCAOB audits are completed 

Why BPM is valuable during this stage: 

  • We provide specialized technical accounting guidance for complex transactions.
  • We develop and implement best practices for public company reporting.
  • We help establish streamlined processes that meet SEC timeframes.
  • We identify and remediate potential audit issues before they impact your timeline.
  • We bring practical solutions that balance compliance with operational efficiency.
  • We help develop in-house capabilities to sustain public company requirements.
  • We support you through the rigorous PCAOB audit process 

Timing: This crucial preparation phase typically spans from 6-18 months before your target IPO date and represents the most intensive period of work in the IPO readiness process. 

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Execution

Phase 3

Execution

Managing the regulatory process and optimizing the transaction 

After extensive preparation, the execution phase puts your company in front of regulators and introduces a broader IPO working team into the process, including bankers, lawyers, underwriters and other external consultants. Having an experienced advisor during this stage is crucial, as deadlines become tighter and more parties get involved. 

What happens during this stage: 

  • Initial Form S-1 or S-4 registration statement is drafted.
  • SEC filing timeline and requirements are managed.
  • Financial statements, MD&A and pro-forma schedules are prepared.
  • The company responds to SEC comment letters.
  • Subsequent amendments to registration statements are filed.
  • Offering structure is finalized.
  • IPO roadshow presentation is developed.
  • Transaction effectiveness is achieved. 

Why BPM is valuable during this stage: 

  • We provide project management across multiple workstreams and stakeholders.
  • We facilitate communication between management, attorneys, auditors and bankers.
  • We anticipate and address potential SEC comments before they arise.
  • We help maintain business continuity during the intense execution phase.
  • We bring technical accounting support for complex SEC reporting requirements.
  • We provide operational bandwidth during this demanding period. 

Timing: This execution phase typically occurs during the final 1-6 months before your IPO date, with activity intensifying as you approach your public debut. 

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Beyond the IPO

Phase 4

Beyond the IPO

Thriving as a public company 

With the ring of a bell, your company becomes publicly traded, bringing a burst of optimism and new life into the business. However, keeping this momentum can prove to be difficult as leaders learn to operate a fully public company. In the wake of a successful IPO, it’s crucial to keep building the right infrastructure and involving the right people to do it. 

What happens during this stage: 

  • Your IPO is declared effective and trading begins.
  • First earnings call and financial reporting cycle as a public company occurs.
  • SEC reporting obligations (10-Qs, 10-Ks) become regular requirements.
  • Internal controls and SOX compliance are maintained and enhanced.
  • Complex technical accounting matters continue to arise.
  • Potential M&A activity requires specialized accounting support.
  • ESG compliance and reporting expectations increase. 

Why BPM is valuable during this stage: 

  • We provide continuity of knowledge from pre-IPO through public company operations.
  • We help establish sustainable processes for ongoing SEC compliance.
  • We support the development of in-house capabilities for key functions.
  • We offer specialized technical accounting guidance as new challenges arise.
  • We help balance compliance requirements with operational efficiency.
  • We bring strategic perspective beyond day-to-day reporting demands. 

Timing: This phase begins on your IPO date and continues through your first year as a public company as you establish your public company operations and meet ongoing regulatory requirements. 

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Is your company IPO ready?

Take this 3-minute assessment to discover where your company stands in the IPO readiness journey. You’ll learn which phase of IPO preparation you’re currently in and receive tailored recommendations.

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. The best way to reduce risks when going public is to adequately prepare through IPO readiness.

Key risks of inadequate IPO preparation include:

  • Financial misstatements and GAAP non-compliance 
  • 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 IPO timeline overview

A successful IPO journey requires careful orchestration of strategic initiatives, complex processes, rigorous audits, and extensive documentation. Understanding this timeline helps companies prepare effectively for each phase. 

24-18 months before IPO

Pre-IPO planning

During this early stage, you'll lay the groundwork for your public debut by assessing readiness, developing your roadmap, establishing key metrics, and determining your SEC filer status.

18-6 months before IPO

IPO readiness

This critical preparation phase focuses on closing identified gaps, uplifting financial statements to public standards, completing PCAOB audits, and implementing necessary software and automation.

6-1 months before IPO

SEC review

As you approach your debut, you'll draft your initial Form S-1 or S-4, respond to SEC comments, finalize offering structure, and conduct your IPO roadshow.

IPO date

Going live

On this milestone day, your IPO is declared effective, trading begins, and your journey as a public company officially starts.

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 specialized 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. 

Frequently asked questions

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Looking for a team who understands where you’re headed and how to help you get there? Whether you’re building something new, managing growth or preserving success, let’s talk.