Meraki Partners, LLC
Most entrepreneurs dismiss the idea of going public because of a handful of deeply ingrained myths. These assumptions stop them from exploring one of the most powerful growth strategies available to them.
The reality? You don’t need to be a unicorn, VC-backed, or wildly famous to go public. You just need to understand the process, structure it correctly, and use it as a strategic tool—not a finish line.
If you're a founder with a profitable business and ambition to scale faster, these are the myths holding you back—and what you need to know instead.
Myth #1: "You need to be a $100M+ company to go public"
This is the most common and dangerous misconception.
We’ve helped startup companies with no revenue to companies with $11 million in revenue go public!
Size is not the gatekeeper—structure, mindset, and clarity of purpose are.
You don’t need explosive growth or Silicon Valley validation. You need:
Public markets aren’t just for Fortune 500s. They’re for growth-minded entrepreneurs who know how to use transparency, liquidity, and public-company structure to unlock opportunity.
Myth #2: "Going public is only about raising capital"
Yes, public companies can raise money. But capital access is not the only benefit—and often not the first.
Going public opens doors that private companies can’t access:
This is less about fundraising and more about unlocking long-term leverage. Public-company status isn’t a funding event—it’s a growth engine.
Myth #3: "You have to give up control"
Absolutely not.
Most founders we work with retain 70–80% ownership after going public.
You’re not dealing with a VC board, liquidation preferences, or loss of voting power. You maintain control over:
When done properly, going public can actually help founders protect their ownership and maintain control while building a more valuable, long-term business.
Myth #4: "It’s too expensive and too complex"
This myth is fueled by outdated stories from the IPO world.
Going public through a reverse merger or direct listing is faster, leaner, and more efficient than most founders think. In fact, it often costs less than hiring a single mid-level executive for a year.
We’ve helped founders complete the transition in a matter of months, not years, using a proven playbook.
The key? You don’t need a bulge-bracket investment bank. You need:
Myth #5: "It only works for tech companies"
Another outdated assumption. Public markets love strong fundamentals, not just flashy growth.
In fact, we’ve helped businesses across sectors go public, including:
"Boring” businesses often outperform once public because they offer:
And public market investors (especially retail) value consistency, clarity, and trust—not just hype.
Final Thought: Going Public is a Tool—Not an Exit
If you’re profitable, acquisition-minded, and want to accelerate your business’s growth and valuation, it’s time to rethink your assumptions.
The myths around going public are just that—myths.
The truth is: going public can be one of the smartest decisions you make as a founder.
The key is knowing how to do it right—and that’s what the Meraki Growth Ladder is designed to help you do.
Want to see how public-company structure could accelerate your growth?
Explore the Meraki Growth Ladder —the 5-step framework designed to help founders scale smarter, raise capital on their terms, and build more valuable businesses without giving up control.
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