In recent years, the trend of startups going public has shifted as more and more are choosing to remain private. Going public has historically been considered the ultimate goal for many young companies, but the complexity and expense of the process along with the possibility of losing control and company culture has led startups to reconsider their options. In this blog post, we’ll explore five reasons why some startups may be deciding to stay private.
Why Some Startups Choose to Stay Private
Benefits of Staying Private
Costs
Firstly, going public can be a complex and expensive process. It may require significant amounts of time and money, from legal fees to compliance costs to underwriting fees. Additionally, once a company goes public, it is subject to a host of new regulations and reporting requirements. This can be daunting for young companies with limited resources. By staying private, startups can avoid these costs and allocate resources towards other areas of the business.
Control
Secondly, staying private can allow startups to maintain control. When a company goes public, it can be subject to the expectations of the stock market and its shareholders. This means that decisions that may be in the long-term interest of the company, such as investing in research and development or expanding into new markets, may be sacrificed in the short-term to appease shareholders who are focused on quarterly earnings. By staying private, startups can focus on their long-term goals without the pressure of meeting Wall Street’s expectations.
Flexibility
Thirdly, staying private can provide greater flexibility. Public companies are often beholden to the expectations of analysts and investors, who may have unrealistic growth expectations or demand that the company pursue certain strategies. By contrast, private companies may have more leeway to pursue the strategies that they believe are best for their business. This can include investing in R&D, pursuing new markets, or making strategic acquisitions without the need to justify those decisions to shareholders.
Avoiding Scrutiny
Fourthly, staying private can be a way to avoid scrutiny. Public companies are subject to intense scrutiny from analysts, journalists, and the public at large. This scrutiny can lead to negative press and can even impact the company’s reputation. By staying private, startups may avoid this level of scrutiny and maintain greater control over their public image.
Preserve Company Culture
Finally, staying private can be a way to preserve company culture. Startups often have unique cultures that are central to their success. Going public can sometimes result in a loss of that culture, as the focus shifts from building a great company to satisfying shareholders. By staying private, startups can help preserve their culture and continue to focus on their long-term goals.
Drawbacks of Staying Private
Of course, there are also some downsides to staying private. For one thing, it can be more difficult to raise capital. Private companies may have to rely on venture capital or other sources of funding, which can be more limited than the resources available to public companies. Additionally, private companies may miss out on the benefits of increased public exposure, such as greater brand recognition and access to a larger customer base.
Despite these potential downsides, however, staying private can be an attractive option for many startups. By maintaining control, preserving company culture, and avoiding the complexities of going public, startups can focus on building a great company.
Are you looking to invest in private companies? Sign up for a MicroVentures account to see what investment opportunities we currently have available!
Want to learn more about investing in private companies? Check out the following MicroVentures blogs to learn more:
- Top Private Market Trends 2023
- The Future of Private Equity Investing
- The Rise of Private Market Investing
- The Impact of COVID-19 on Private Equity
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The information presented here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as, comprehensive offering documentation for any security, investment, tax or legal advice, a recommendation, or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, an interest, directly or indirectly, in any company. Investing in both early-stage and later-stage companies carries a high degree of risk. A loss of an investor’s entire investment is possible, and no profit may be realized. Investors should be aware that these types of investments are illiquid and should anticipate holding until an exit occurs.
