Owners of solid, growing businesses often do not realize they can go public, or why they would want to. Meanwhile, founders who look to a listing to solve their problems are usually not ready. The right candidate has a real business, a capable team and the discipline to operate in public.
A listing is the start of a new way of operating, not a finish line. Companies that do it well use the public markets to amplify growth: they raise capital more efficiently, attract better people, open doors to opportunities and buy other businesses using their own stock.
Access to capital on better terms, from a wider pool of investors, over the life of the company.
Listed shares become a currency for acquiring other businesses.
Public company visibility and credibility open doors with customers, partners and lenders.
Liquid equity helps recruit, reward and retain the people a growing company needs.