The Pros and Cons of IPO, Acquisition, and Private Equity

When thinking about exit strategies, there are typically three main paths: going public, being acquired by a strategic buyer, or being acquired by private equity. Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on what you're optimizing for.
In this video, I discuss:
Why going public gives you the most control but comes with overhead and loss of flexibility
How a strategic acquisition can fundamentally change your company and culture
Why private equity offers a blend of continuity and new expectations-especially when it comes to profitability
Transitioning from venture-backed growth to private equity’s focus on EBITDA can be a tough shift, especially when your company is used to solving problems by spending. It requires a mindset change toward capital efficiency, restructuring, and sometimes making difficult decisions.