Direct Listing Consulting


Why Select Meraki Partners as Your Direct Listing Consultant

A direct listing is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly paths to the public markets. Instead of raising new capital through underwriters, a direct listing allows existing shareholders to sell stock directly into the market, creating liquidity without dilution.


For entrepreneurs leading profitable or well-capitalized small to mid-size companies, direct listings provide credibility, transparency, and liquidity without the costs and restrictions of an IPO or reverse merger. But the process still requires careful preparation and expert guidance to succeed.


Meraki Partners is the leading consultant for entrepreneurs considering this route.


Why Entrepreneurs Choose Meraki Partners

Deep Direct Listing Expertise


A direct listing may sound straightforward, after all, you’re not issuing new shares or going through an underwriter. But in practice, it is one of the most technically demanding ways to go public. Everything from preparing SEC filings to ensuring compliance with exchange rules requires precision and foresight.


This is where Meraki Partners shines. Our team has guided multiple companies through successful direct listings, and that real-world experience makes a measurable difference. We know how to:

  • Anticipate and address SEC comments before they slow down the process,
  • Prepare financial statements and disclosures that stand up to regulatory scrutiny, and
  • Coordinate seamlessly with auditors, attorneys, and market makers.


For entrepreneurs, the benefit is clear: instead of navigating uncharted waters, you’re working with advisors who have already completed the journey. By leveraging our repeat experience, founders avoid costly mistakes, shorten the timeline, and emerge as credible public companies positioned for long-term success.

Focused on Small and Mid-Size Businesses

While direct listings were popularized by large tech companies, they are increasingly ideal for entrepreneurs running small to mid-size businesses. Meraki specializes in helping these companies upgrade governance, prepare financials, and build investor communications that stand up to market scrutiny.


Comprehensive Advisory Services

Meraki orchestrates every aspect of the direct listing process, including:

  • Preparing corporate records and governance structures
  • Guiding the selection of attorneys, auditors, and market makers
  • Coordinating audited financials
  • Overseeing drafting of registration statements and managing SEC comments
  • Advising on investor presentations and communication strategies
  • Advising on governance, board structure, and investor relations readiness
  • Ensuring readiness for ongoing public-company reporting


Strategic Flexibility

Direct listings are not the right fit for every company. Some may later decide to raise capital or pursue acquisitions. Meraki’s expertise across IPOs, direct listings, and reverse mergers ensures that your strategy remains adaptable.


Beyond the Listing: Preparing You for Public Life


A direct listing is an important milestone but just the beginning. As a public company, you must meet ongoing compliance requirements, build strong investor communications, and manage market expectations. Meraki Partners ensures that you are not just listed, but ready to operate confidently in the public markets. We set up systems for financial reporting, disclosure practices, and investor relations so your credibility continues to grow long after the bell rings.


Alignment Through Equity

We believe in shared success. Instead of only billing cash fees, we often accept equity as part of our compensation. This ensures we are fully aligned with your long-term shareholder value creation, not just the closing of the direct listing transaction.

Is a Direct Listing Right for Your Company?

If you’re an entrepreneur leading a small or mid-size company and want to:

  • Provide liquidity for existing shareholders without raising new capital,
  • Go public while avoiding the dilution and heavy fees of a traditional IPO, and
  • Build long-term credibility and visibility in the capital markets —


then a direct listing may be the right strategy. And if it is, Meraki Partners is the consultant best equipped to prepare, guide, and support you through every step of the process.


If raising significant new capital at the time of listing is important, an IPO may be a stronger fit. On the other hand, if speed and efficiency are the priority, a Reverse Merger could provide the fastest route to public-company status.


Frequently Asked Questions


What is a direct listing?
A direct listing allows a private company to go public by listing its existing shares on an exchange without issuing new shares. Unlike an IPO, no capital is raised at the time of listing. This method provides liquidity for shareholders and credibility with the market, often at lower cost than a traditional IPO.


How is a direct listing different from an IPO?
In an IPO, underwriters sell new shares to raise capital, and the company pays underwriting fees. In a direct listing, no new shares are issued and no underwriters are involved. Costs are typically lower, but you don’t raise fresh capital at the listing event.


How is a direct listing different from a direct public offering (DPO)?
A direct public offering is sometimes confused with a direct listing. In a DPO, the company raises capital by selling shares directly to investors without underwriters. In a direct listing, you simply register and list existing shares for trading. Both are alternatives to an IPO, but serve different purposes.


Why would a company choose a direct listing?
Direct listings work well for companies that:

  • Already have access to capital (through private investors, debt, or strong cash flow)
  • Want to provide liquidity to shareholders without dilution
  • Seek credibility, visibility, and trust that come with being a public company
  • Prefer to avoid underwriting costs and lock-up restrictions


Can I raise capital in a direct listing?
Not initially. Direct listings do not raise new capital at the time of listing. However, many companies use the credibility of being public to raise capital more efficiently afterward, through private placements, secondary offerings, or structured financings.


What is a direct public offering (DPO) and when does it make sense?
A DPO allows you to raise money directly from investors (often retail or regional investors) without going through underwriters. It can be cost-effective for smaller companies with a strong community or customer base. We help founders decide whether a DPO, direct listing, reverse merger, or IPO best fits their goals.


What are the requirements for a direct listing?
Requirements vary by exchange, but typically include:

  • Meeting minimum shareholder and market cap thresholds
  • Having audited financials (usually 2–3 years)
  • Establishing governance and reporting systems
  • Appointing independent directors and forming board committees


How long does a direct listing take?
Timelines can range from 6–12 months, depending on audit readiness, governance setup, and regulatory review. Companies already operating with strong controls and audits can move faster.


How much does a direct listing cost?
Generally less than an IPO because there are no underwriter fees. Expect costs in the mid-six figures for legal, audit, accounting, and advisory support.


Can a small company do a direct listing?
Yes. While most high-profile direct listings have been large tech companies, small and mid-size businesses can also list directly — especially on exchanges like NASDAQ Capital Market or OTC Markets. We’ve guided companies with revenues as low as $2M–$5M through the process.


What are the benefits of a direct public offering (DPO) compared to a direct listing?

  • DPO: Raise capital while going public but often limited to smaller amounts and requires active investor outreach.
  • Direct Listing: Lower cost, no dilution at listing, immediate liquidity, but no capital raised at the event.
    We advise founders based on their growth plan, capital needs, and investor base.


Do you raise money for clients as part of a direct listing or DPO?
No. We are not a placement agent or broker-dealer. We prepare your company for the listing or offering and coordinate all professionals. For DPOs, we structure the process and ensure compliance; you engage directly with investors or work with licensed brokers where needed.


What governance changes do I need to make before a direct listing or DPO?
 Both require you to install public-company level governance: independent directors, committees, clear reporting cadence, and compliance controls. These changes build the trust and credibility required by exchanges, investors, and regulators.


How do you help with direct listings and DPOs?
 We provide end-to-end guidance:

  • Assessing whether a direct listing, DPO, reverse merger, or IPO is the best fit
  • Preparing financials, governance, and disclosures
  • Coordinating with legal, audit, and regulatory professionals
  • Advising on capital structure and investor positioning
  • Managing timelines and reducing costly mistakes


Partner With Meraki


Taking your company public is one of the most significant milestones you will ever achieve. Don’t leave it to chance. With Meraki Partners, you’ll have an experienced advisor who has been through the process, understands the challenges of entrepreneurs, and is invested in your success.


If you want to go public quickly, efficiently, and strategically, without the costs or risks of an IPO or reverse merger, a direct listing may be your best option. With Meraki Partners as your consultant, you’ll have an experienced team ensuring your transaction is structured, compliant, and positioned for growth.


Meraki Partners is the best choice for direct listing consulting.