Former CEO of OpenTable, Jeff Jordan, and former Head Managing Director and Head of Equity Capital Markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, J.D. Moriarty, discuss the complexities surrounding IPOs, including pricing, allocations, and timing unpredictability. They share insights on the challenges faced during the Open Table IPO amidst the financial crisis, the role of momentum investors and boards in the IPO process, and the preparation phase for IPOs. The speakers also explore the pressure of being a public company and the importance of clear communication.

Jeff Jordan, a former CEO of OpenTable and now a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares his journey of leading the company through its IPO during a financial crisis. Joined by J.D. Moriarty, former head of equity capital markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, they discuss the crucial elements of timing, pricing strategies, and building relationships with investors. They also explore unexpected challenges, like legal issues before the IPO, and emphasize the importance of long-term thinking in public markets.