Key Differences Between Public and Private Companies
IPO Filing Software
An IPO can be a long, demanding and complicated process that will have long term implications for your company. Our IPO solutions and experts help you successfully navigate the intricacies and prepare for life as a public company. Are you ready?
Choose the global leader for IPO services
When it comes to capitalizing on key moments in the IPO process, DFIN leads the way – and we have the numbers to prove it.
Over the last six years, DFIN
Filed
700+
Traditional IPOs
Partnered on
70%
Traditional IPOs valued at
≥ $100M (US-based issuers)
Serviced
350+
SPACs
Supported
Majority of PE and VC-backed IPOs
EDGAR/iXBRL Checklist
Know the best practices to file tagged SEC reports confidently once you’re public.
Preparation, planning and the right IPO software solutions are critical to success.
IPO Timeline
Preparation
Pre-Filing
Initial submission of S-1
Roadshow
Pricing/Trading
Life Post IPO
IPO Timeline
Preparation
12 - 18 Months
- Prepare work plan for IPO readiness
- Assess financial statements and evaluate audit firm
- Assess internal resources (accounting, FP&A, legal, IR)
- Evaluate need for third-party advisers
- Consider structural decisions (e.g., corporate, tax, compensation)
Pre-Filing
4 - 6 Months
- Engage lead underwriters
- Prepare S-1
- Equity story/investment thesis
- Historical financial statements & MD&A
- Risk factors/legal sections
- Financial model
Initial submission of S-1
3 Months
- Confidential submission of S-1 and SEC review process (typically ~12-14 weeks)
- Teach-in with syndicate analysis
- Prepare roadshow presentation
- Publicly file S-1 at least 15 days prior to launch of roadshow
- Finalize IPO documentation
- Organizational and governance documents
- Listing application
- Underwriting agreement
Roadshow
2 Weeks
- Finalize preliminary prospectus with indicative price range
- Launch roadshow (typically 7-10 trading days)
Pricing/Trading
Trade date
- Price IPO after market close at conclusion of roadshow
- Begin trading next day after pricing
- Close third trading day after pricing
Life Post IPO
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
- Extensive quarterly reporting required
- SOX compliance
- Annual reports and recent events
- Proxy Statement, Annual Meeting
Explore client results
LIFE SCIENCES
How we helped a pharma company capitalize on IPO market conditions and timing
HEALTHCARE
How we helped a healthcare company get and stay deal ready to go public and close a secondary offering
TECHNOLOGY
Execute a successful IPO with management and staff working from secluded locations
MANUFACTURING
How we helped an electric vehicle company save time and money before and after going public
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
How we helped a leading enterprise finance management company streamline its IPO process
Starting financial reporting early is key to a successful IPO
Drive efficiencies and optimize your IPO reporting with ActiveDisclosure.
- Streamline S-1 reporting as you prepare for your IPO
- Reduce costs & financial risks
- Develop the robust systems needed for life as a public company
- Leverage our 24/7/365 financial expertise
We have prepared our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations, although we have strong thoughts that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. In our opinion, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments.
We have prepared our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations, although we have strong thoughts that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. In our opinion, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments.
Get in touch with us for IPO support, pricing or more information.
or
call +1 866 784 9840
Explore the latest IPO & Public Listing Report
"
The summer wave of offerings expected in Q3 did not materialize, with only thirteen sizeable IPOs raising ~$7.7 billion. The slow rebound will likely continue in Q4, although some substantial offerings are on the horizon, including billion-dollar offerings for DFIN clients Ingram Micro, and Solera."
Craig Clay, President of Global Capital Markets, DFIN
Guide to IPOs
Considerations for Business Owners and Executives Taking Their Company Public
Download IPO guideContinue building your perfect tech stack
Virtual Data Room
Safeguard and share your most sensitive documents with all your shareholders. Easy-to-use, secure software includes privacy scans, contract analysis and multi-file redaction for full transparency and regulatory compliance.
Financial Reporting
Take the complexities out of regulatory reporting. Seamless integration, simple onboarding, Microsoft Office compatibility and all the tools you need for fast, secure filings.
Corporate Repository
Empower teams to more easily manage, share and protect folders and files in a secure, cost-effective environment. Leverage a modern, dynamic, digital repository to secure data, protect privacy and streamline projects.
Leverage our best-in-class partnership ecosystem
FloQast builds cloud-based software that helps manage accounting departments by centralizing the workflow, assigning tasks, maintaining supporting documentation, and automating reconciliations.
Integrating enterprise business systems like Netsuite with ActiveDisclosure enables customers to directly connect the datasets they need into a central hub of trusted data, with powerful linking, auditability and control features.
Cision is a leading global provider of earned media software and services to public relations and marketing communications professionals.
Cision software allows users to identify key influencers, craft and distribute strategic content, and measure meaningful impact.
More findings, right this way
Case Study
How We Helped a Leading Enterprise Finance Management Company Streamline its IPO Process
Case Study
How We Helped a Pharma Company Capitalize on IPO Market Conditions and Timing
Case Study
How We Helped an Electric Vehicle Company Save Time and Money Before and After Going Public
Blog
DFIN Q1 Earnings: Software Growth Suggests a Recovery of M&A and IPO Activity May Be Underway
| Craig Clay
Guide
From Private to Public: Expert Insights for Foreign Private Issuers Pursuing U.S. Public Listing in 2024 and Beyond
12-18 months
- Prepare work plan for IPO readiness
- Assess financial statements and evaluate audit firm
- Assess internal resources (accounting, FP&A, legal, IR)
- Evaluate need for third-party advisers
- Consider structural decisions (e.g., corporate, tax, compensation)
4-6 months
- Engage lead underwriters
- Prepare S-1
- Equity story/investment thesis
- Historical financial statements & MD&A
- Risk factors/legal sections
- Financial model
3 months
- Confidential submission of S-1 and SEC review process (typically ~12-14 weeks)
- Teach-in with syndicate analysis
- Prepare roadshow presentation
- Publicly file S-1 at least 15 days prior to launch of roadshow
- Finalize IPO documentation
- Organizational and governance documents
- Listing application
- Underwriting agreement
2 weeks
- Finalize preliminary prospectus with indicative price range
- Launch roadshow (typically 7-10 trading days)
Trade Date
- Price IPO after market close at conclusion of roadshow
- Begin trading next day after pricing
- Close third trading day after pricing
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
- Extensive quarterly reporting required
- SOX compliance
- Annual reports and recent events
- Proxy Statement, Annual Meeting
Unlock a stronger workflow with secure virtual communication channels and flexible technology.
Access leading SEC experts 24/7/365 for guidance in the moments that matter.
Ensure accurate and audit-ready documentation with built-in compliance capabilities.
Prepare standout materials with advanced composition systems, on-demand resources and an unrivaled print platform.
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