Most companies don’t IPO, so here’s how to plan for your likely exit

▤ Summary

The article explains why founders should plan for an exit long before they reach a sale or IPO decision. It highlights that most companies exit through mergers and acquisitions, not public offerings, and that founders often misunderstand how value, ownership, and investor preferences affect outcomes. The speakers stress that due diligence can become a second job and that clean IP records, cap tables, and equity documentation can determine whether a deal closes. The piece also points to software tools such as Carta and diligence-prep platforms as ways to reduce risk and prepare for a transaction. It closes by urging founders to define success early and build a network of advisors and service providers who understand exits.

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