The Stakes of Going Public

Going public is the ultimate flex that turns paper wealth into actual liquid cash.

Most people think an IPO is just about raising money for growth, but it is actually

the main exit strategy for early investors and founders to finally get paid. Companies have to

choose between taking on debt, which kills cash flow, or selling equity,

which dilutes ownership. If they pick the IPO route, they hire investment bankers to hype

the valuation and navigate a regulatory nightmare. It is a high-stakes game of selling

a vision, because once you hit the stock market, you stop answering to yourself and

start answering to the world.