Mastering the IPO Journey: Insights from the IPO Handbook
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 throughout the IPO lifecycle—from diligence and preparation to reporting and filing—DFIN leads the way. Our proven track record demonstrates why companies trust us to deliver the speed, risk reduction, and confidence needed for a successful public debut.
Over the last nine years, DFIN
Filed
1200+
IPOs
Partnered on
~70%
S-1 traditional IPOs
valued at $100M+
Serviced
~65
IPOs valued at
$1B+
Supported
Majority of PE and VC-backed IPOs
IPO Solutions
The IPO journey is complex. That’s why most companies choose our flexible solutions, expert services, and advanced technology to achieve success. Our cloud-based platform for SEC filings and financial reporting gives you the ability to choose the level of control and support that best fits your team.
Our Flexible IPO Solutions
DFIN for IPO Service
Full-service 'done-for-you' solution
- Designed to extend teams with DFIN experts and dedicated project management for your upcoming IPO.
- DFIN can manage your content, and your working group has online access to draft, review, edit and approve the document on demand, streamlining your deal process.
- Our project managers are available 24/7/365 to handle document formatting, exhibits and filing requirements as well as delivering proofs for review and distributing finals.
ActiveDisclosure for IPO with Concierge
Assisted 'done-with-you' solution
- Designed to support teams on DFIN’s ActiveDisclosure software platform to securely automate the drafting, editing, and filing process.
- Maintain total control by working in a secure, cloud-based environment offering permissions, version control, Excel linking, support binders, track changes, and presentations.
- Our dedicated team of DFIN experts will set up the document in your instance and are available to support your working group 24/7 throughout the S-1 filing.
Guide to IPOs
Considerations for Business Owners and Executives Taking Their Company Public
Download IPO guideThe Only Technology Stack Backed by DFIN Experts
By combining virtual data rooms and financial reporting software, DFIN gives you the power you need for your IPO process as well as the scalability to tackle what’s up next.
ActiveDisclosure
Financial reporting & SEC filing software
Take the complexities out of compliance for financial, legal, and investors teams.
- Easy & secure online collaboration
- Presentations and documents
- Microsoft 365 compatibility
- Intelligent iXBRL tagging
- SEC filing health checks
Venue
Virtual data room software
Share sensitive information across teams and stakeholders worry-free.
- Strong end-to-end encryption
- Single sign-on integration
- Multi-factor authentication
- Automated multi-file redaction
- Real-time reporting & analytics
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 data 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
We help customers achieve measurable 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
Preparing to go public? Get in touch for expert IPO support, tailored pricing, and everything you need to succeed.
or
call +1 866 784 9840
Explore the latest IPO & Public Listing Report
"
2025 marked a strong rebound for U.S. IPOs, despite the late-year disruptions in Q4 from tariffs and the government shutdown. The largest offering since 2021, Medline, made its debut heading into the holidays and surged more than 40% above its IPO price, signaling strong investor demand. Investor appetite for high-quality issuers remains clear, setting the stage for an active 2026 driven by moderating inflation, expected interest rate cuts, and a healthy pipeline of IPO-ready companies. With market windows shifting rapidly, operational maturity and flexibility are essential. Completing governance upgrades, strengthening financial reporting, and refining equity stories will position issuers optimally to seize opportunities in a steady, fundamentals-driven IPO environment."
Craig Clay, President of Global Capital Markets, DFIN
More findings, right this way
Press Release
DFIN Launches Active Intelligence™, its AI Suite Driving Smarter Compliance
Article
DFIN at the 2025 Asia Pacific Capital Markets Forum: Why London Remains a Strategic Listing Destination for APAC Issuers
Case Study
How MBX Biosciences Created Success in Pre-IPO Preparations and Post-IPO Operations
Blog
SEC’s New SPAC Rule Requires iXBRL Tagging by June 30, 2025 — Are You Ready?
| Marcie Clark
Video Podcast
How DFIN Transformed PropertyGuru’s Financial Reporting Processes to Enable Better Control and Drive Cost Efficiencies
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.