For fast-growing startups, access to financial resources is vital. Going public on the stock exchange can be a strategic way to raise large-scale investment, gain visibility, and earn the market's trust.
But after all, what is an IPO and when does it make sense for early-stage or expanding businesses? This article answers that question and shows how the process works, with real examples from the Brazilian market.
What does IPO mean?
Before discussing the implications, it is important to clearly understand what this widely discussed acronym in the business world represents.
Definition of IPO (Initial Public Offering)
IPO is the acronym for Initial Public Offering, and it refers to the process by which a company, usually privately held, decides to go public and sell part of its shares to the public through the stock exchange. It is a way of turning partners and investors into shareholders and allowing any person or institution to buy a piece of the business.
When it comes to an IPO, what is most relevant to consider, especially in the case of startups, is that it marks the transition to a new level of governance, transparency, and access to the capital markets. It is not just about raising funds: it is about changing the company's stage.
How does the IPO process work?
Although the concept seems simple, the path to going public involves multiple stages and rigorous preparation to ensure the company is ready for public scrutiny.
Stages leading up to going public
The IPO process begins with detailed audits that assess the company's financial health and identify potential risks. Next, the startup must structure its governance, establishing boards, committees, and transparency mechanisms.
After that comes the valuation, that is, the estimate of the company's value in the market, an essential factor in setting the share price.
Another important milestone is the publication of the prospectus, a detailed document that presents the company's financial, operational, and strategic information to the investing public. This is the basis on which the market assesses the risks and potential of investing in startups.
Regulatory bodies involved (CVM, B3, etc.)
In Brazil, IPOs are overseen by bodies such as the CVM (Brazil's securities and exchange commission), which supervises and approves the offering, and B3, the Brazilian stock exchange. These bodies ensure that the process follows strict rules on disclosure, compliance, and investor protection.
Advantages and disadvantages of an IPO for companies
Going public may seem like a good idea for startups, but this decision requires an in-depth analysis of the gains as well as the obligations it imposes.
Access to capital
The main advantage of an IPO is the ability to raise funds on a large scale, which can drive growth, finance new technologies, or expand into new markets. For many startups, this means the chance to scale their operations at an accelerated pace.
Brand value
An IPO also tends to generate visibility and credibility. Being listed on the stock exchange signals to the market that the company has gone through rigorous screening and is ready to play at a higher level. This can attract talent, strengthen partnerships, and open doors to new business.
Requirements and responsibilities
On the other hand, the requirements increase. Publicly traded companies need to disclose quarterly results, deal with pressure from shareholders, and maintain high standards of governance. In addition, any misstep can affect the share price and the brand's reputation. For a startup, this represents a whole new world of responsibilities.
Who can invest in a company through an IPO?
Going public democratizes access to the company, allowing different investor profiles to take part in its growth.
Investor profile
Institutional investors such as investment funds, banks, and insurance companies are usually the largest buyers in IPOs, as they have more capital and analytical capacity. However, individual investors can also benefit from the opportunity to join the shareholder base of a promising company right at the start of its public journey.
How individual investors take part
Individual investors usually take part through brokerage firms, which open the offering to their clients during the reservation period. This is the stage at which the investor can decide how much to invest and how many shares to buy, based on the information in the prospectus.
Investing in a startup through an IPO can be a gateway for those who want to diversify their portfolio and bet on the growth of innovative companies.
Examples of IPOs in Brazil and around the world
The theory comes to life when we look at companies that have already gone through this process, with successes and mistakes that help us better understand the landscape.
Success stories (e.g., Nubank, XP, Petrobras)
Nubank, for example, staged one of the most talked-about IPOs of recent years, raising billions of dollars and reinforcing its position as a leader in innovation in the financial sector. XP Investimentos followed a similar path, expanding its operations with the funds raised on the stock exchange.
Petrobras, although not a startup, is an example of how public capital can be used to drive major transformations in this case, by expanding its investor base and professionalizing its governance.
Failed IPOs and their lessons
Not all IPOs, however, follow the ideal script. Méliuz, for example, faced valuation challenges after its initial offering. These cases show how the timing of going public, the business model, and market perception are crucial factors for success, and that an IPO is not a magic solution.
Alternatives to an IPO for raising investment
For startups that are not yet ready to go public or prefer less complex paths, there are other ways to raise funds.
Venture capital rounds
Funding rounds with venture capital funds are quite common and allow the startup to grow with the support of strategic investors. Unlike an IPO, these deals take place privately, with fewer transparency and control requirements.
M&A (Mergers and acquisitions)
Another alternative is to be acquired by a larger company. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can bring capital, structure, and new markets, in addition to allowing founders to realize part of the business's value without opening its capital to the public.
Issuing debentures or private bonds
More structured companies may choose to issue debentures or private bonds as a way to raise funds, especially when they already have predictable cash flow. It is a way to obtain credit on competitive terms without diluting the partners' stake.
Want to understand whether an IPO is the ideal path for your company or startup? RAJA connects you with specialists in venture capital and financial structuring. Talk to us!
