We’re proud to share that Sam Salty, Global Managing Partner at Guzman Gray, has been featured in Forbes Business Council with his latest article:
12 Months To Liftoff: The IPO Timeline Most Founders Ignore
In the article, Sam highlights a crucial truth: the IPO process begins long before the filing day. Many founders underestimate the year leading up to their IPO — a period that determines whether investors view their company as credible and ready for the public markets.
Sam draws on his extensive experience guiding companies through IPO readiness, outlining common pitfalls such as:
- Inconsistent or incomplete financial reporting,
- Lack of internal controls and audit processes, and
- Underestimating the operational shift required to become a public company.
His key message is clear: companies should begin preparing two to three years before their IPO target date, building the right governance, financial infrastructure, and leadership teams well in advance.
“IPO readiness is like surfing,” Sam writes. “You can’t paddle out and hope to catch a wave that’s already cresting. You need to be in position and ready to ride before the perfect set arrives.”
At Guzman Gray, we help businesses build the foundation they need for long-term success — from strategic preparation to financial transformation and investor readiness.
Read the full article on Forbes here.