Navigating the IPO Landscape in 2024 and Beyond: Insights from Industry Experts

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Going Public: Expert Advice for Navigating the IPO Journey in 2024 and Beyond

In a recent panel discussion moderated by Martina, experts Ms. Sayre and Mr. Lindell discussed the current IPO landscape, providing valuable insights for companies considering going public.

Ms. Sayre, overseeing international capital markets at the New York Stock Exchange, characterized the 2024 IPO market as having mixed signals. While the first half of the year saw significant activity, the latter half experienced a slowdown attributed to geopolitical events and the US election. Despite this, Ms. Sayre expressed optimism for the future, citing a robust global pipeline of companies poised for IPOs in the coming 12 to 18 months.

Mr. Lindell, a partner at Brunswick, a firm with a rich history of advising on major tech IPOs, echoed Ms. Sayre’s sentiment, noting a resurgence in IPO appetite. He emphasized that going public is not merely a transaction but a transformative journey, requiring companies to adapt to the demands of public scrutiny and shareholder expectations.

The panel highlighted the importance of a compelling narrative, emphasizing that a company’s equity story should be intrinsically linked to its corporate story.

Ms. Sayre underscored the depth, liquidity, and investor base of the US equity market, positioning it as a highly attractive option for companies seeking to go public. She emphasized the importance of transparency, a hallmark of the US market, and the benefits of engaging with stakeholders, including stock exchanges, well in advance of a planned IPO.

Mr. Lindell likened going public to a “very public negotiation,” underscoring the need for companies to build a strong reputation and establish trust with stakeholders prior to entering the public arena.

Both panelists offered advice for companies considering an IPO. Mr. Lindell stressed the importance of maintaining open communication and bringing employees along on the journey, while Ms. Sayre recommended early engagement with key stakeholders, including investors and stock exchanges, to ensure a smooth transition.

The discussion concluded with a brief analysis of the potential impact of the recent US election outcome on the stock market. Ms. Sayre acknowledged the market rally following Donald Trump’s victory, noting that historically, election years have not significantly impacted the equity market. Mr. Lindell, while refraining from making predictions, suggested that the impact would vary depending on the specific industry and company.