Startups are often glorified as a dream job where anyone with an idea can set out to save the world. Once a startup has achieved success, it comes to an end as an IPO — one final moment where the heavens open up and cash rains down on founders.

In reality, an IPO is intensely complicated — in making the choice to go public and in the process it takes to get there. As a matter of fact, going public without real operating metrics can be downright painful. A company doesn’t just naturally grow toward a point where an IPO will happen without a hitch. An IPO requires founders who are ready to defend their company, and it requires a plan to make it work as a public company.

To learn more about this theme, TechRepublic Premium presents a helpful guide. The article includes advice from Ambarish Gupta, founder and CEO of Basis Vectors.

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You must have your numbers tightly buttoned up before you even consider going public. Your stock exchange of choice needs to trust your ability to make money and keep making money. You have to build rhythm and predictability.

Gupta says, “My perspective on the intricacies of preparing for an IPO is deeply rooted in the understanding that it’s a multifaceted process, extending well beyond mere financial metrics. Indeed, having your financials in order is important. Gross margins and growth rates are critical indicators of a company’s health and potential. However, it’s equally important to consider other financial metrics such as recurring revenue, customer acquisition cost, lifetime value of a customer and the efficiency of your capital expenditure. These metrics collectively paint a more comprehensive picture of a company’s sustainability and scalability, which are crucial for investors scrutinizing an IPO prospect.”

Enhance your IPO knowledge with our seven-page PDF guide. This is available for download at just $9. Alternatively, enjoy complimentary access with a Premium annual subscription. Click here to find out more.

TIME SAVED: Crafting this content required 14 hours of dedicated writing, editing and research.