Step 1: The IPO Team

In Lesson 5, you learned that one of the most important members on your IPO team is your investment banker. It is crucially important to select the right investment bank as they fulfill the role of advisor, underwriter, and sales force, helping you manage all the details of the IPO process.

Other key players you’ll need on the IPO team include:

• You (the CEO) and your CFO (Chief Financial Officer) — The two of you will be the main liaisons between the company and the rest of the IPO team. Other staff members from your accounting, public relations, and marketing departments will also provide vital information as preparation for the IPO shifts into high gear.
• Your lawyers — It will be essential to have a law firm representing you that is highly experienced with IPOs and venture-capital issues.
• Your accountants — Although you may have an accountant on staff, you will also need an accounting firm that has expertise in preparing for an IPO. Their job will be to prepare all of the financial statements and help write the prospectus.
• Auditors — All of your financial records and statements will have to be audited by an independent auditing firm.
• A public relations expert — You will need someone who knows the rules about publicity during the IPO process and will position your emerging company appropriately in the media.
• A financial printer — This person must be able to guide you through the design of your prospectus, as well as handle your printing and the electronic filing of your SEC documents.