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a16z Podcast

The What, Who, and When with IPOs

Jan 29, 2024
Jeff Jordan, former CEO of OpenTable, and J.D. Moriarty, ex-Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, share their insights on the current state of IPOs. They dive into the complexities of pricing and allocations while reflecting on OpenTable's IPO during a financial crisis. The duo discusses whether it's possible to time an IPO effectively in uncertain market conditions. They also highlight the importance of building strong relationships with investors and the challenges of navigating the IPO landscape.
34:26

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Investing in relationships with investors and timing are crucial factors in the success of an IPO, highlighting the need to build relationships ahead of time and time the IPO based on the right moment for the business rather than trying to time the market.
  • Transparency, communication, and a focused team are essential during the IPO process, emphasizing the importance of setting the IPO price, minimizing distractions, having a competent CFO, and effectively managing expectations to exceed investor expectations and maintain consistent growth.

Deep dives

Investing in Relationships and Timing in IPO

This podcast episode explores the importance of investing in relationships with investors and timing in initial public offerings (IPOs). The guests discuss how meeting with investors ahead of time and building relationships can shape the success of an IPO. They emphasize the need to time an IPO based on the right moment for the business, rather than trying to time the market, and provide insights into factors such as market cap and growth rates that determine the right timing. They also highlight the value of having a small group of long-term investors who understand the business and its potential.

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