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Understanding the US IPO process: a guide for private companies


When the time is right for your company to go public, understanding the initial public offering (IPO) process is critical for success. From navigating dynamic markets to leveraging continually evolving and sometimes fleeting opportunities, going public involves much more than just finding investors to back your vision. We have taken EY insights from decades of helping private companies go public and created a comprehensive guide to IPO readiness.

Access the guide to gain insights into:

  • The US IPO process
  • What makes a strong IPO candidate 
  • When to consider going public
  • What should be on a private company’s IPO readiness checklist
  • How to set up your IPO for success
  • How EY services help companies throughout the IPO process

As leaders in advising companies going public, EY teams ground every step of the IPO process in confident decision-making.



US Guide to Going Public

An IPO can be a strategic transformational event in the lifecycle of a company. Use this for an overview of the paths to going public, and key considerations to assess.
Sign up to access the US Guide to Going Public.

Our latest IPO thinking

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Q3 2024 continued this year’s measured recovery in the IPO market. Learn more.

How private companies can choose the right path on the IPO journey

Assess your IPO readiness and launch a successful deal.

Back to basics for IPOs?

More traditional approaches in the IPO market may become fashionable again when the US-based new issue window reopens

How private companies are navigating today’s turbulent capital markets

After a difficult stretch, there is optimism that capital markets are emerging from their downturn.

IPO activity still slow in 1H 2023, but market conditions are improving

The first half of 2023 saw continued slow pace of IPOs. However, market trends signal hope for a turnaround.

What will it take for the IPO market to return?

Q1 2023 brought subdued IPO activity, in line with Q1 2022, but far below comparable periods over the last 10 years. However, optimism remains.

4 things IPO aspirants should do now

Company leaders can prepare to navigate the public markets confidently when the IPO market returns. Learn more.

Proposed SEC climate disclosure rule will impact companies looking to go public

Companies looking to go public are facing a new era of climate transparency. Read more.

Equity Capital Markets Update

A review of prior retrenchments, recoveries, and an outlook for the US IPO market.

Why SPAC success requires a deeper look into target companies’ readiness

Learn why SPAC success requires a deeper look into target companies’ readiness.

What you need to know about SPACs

What you should know about SPACs. Learn more.

How a SPAC merger could help your company finance its future

The growth of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) gives private company owners and entrepreneurs an efficient, rapid path to capital.

Venture capital before and after the pandemic

Early Q1 2020 venture capital numbers were signaling another strong quarter. Then, the COVID-19 global pandemic appeared. Now what?

Why IPO-bound companies should make gender diversity a priority

Experience and data tell us that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better. That’s why we need to put gender equality at the top of our agenda.

    IPO, private financing and SPAC advisory

    We advise companies throughout their growth and financing lifecycle, from private fundraisings, to going public, and beyond.