IPO market poised to return—prepare now to go public

The US IPO market is anticipated to gain momentum in the remaining months of 2024, driven by expectations of improving inflation, anticipated Fed rate cuts, and improved market enthusiasm. However, given the lingering economic uncertainty, a major surge in IPO activity may not come until 2025. In a KPMG Fireside Chat, leaders of two private companies with ambitions of going public in the next few years shared key considerations for companies preparing for an IPO.

Key considerations for companies preparing for an IPO:

• Ensure a strong foundation: Reliable data and process controls are key. The healthier a company is at its foundation, the better prepared it is for an IPO.
• The role of systems and people: Having the required systems and controls in place, including those required for Sarbanes-Oxley reporting once public, can be daunting. Having the right people and team makes the difference, and hiring needs may evolve as the IPO timeline approaches.
• Managing investor expectations and relationships: Build relationships with the investor community well before IPO conversations occur. Share your mission and growth story through metrics and KPIs to instill confidence without overpromising. Craft a compelling investment narrative that highlights your unique valuation drivers.

In our latest paper, IPO market poised to return—prepare now to go public, find out more about what it takes to succeed in today’s IPO market—and how KPMG can help you make the difference in your IPO journey.