IPOs or acquisitions? When it comes to exit strategies, going public remains less celebrated in Europe. Most startups imagine huge barriers to listing…but is doing an IPO really that complicated? What are resources exist to help entrepreneurs navigate the process?

In this episode, we learn more about the pros and cons of doing an IPO with Camille Leca, COO Listing at Euronext, and Odd Sverre Østlie, CEO at Pexip, a videoconferencing solution based in Oslo.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Deezer & Google Podcast.

Topics

01:29 — Why getting acquired is not the best exit strategy

02:36 — Why specifically an IPO: what IPOs can help you achieve, the advantages of doing an IPO: (liquidity for founders, shareholders, employees, etc.), credibility, financing, buildup

04:01 —The advantages of listing on Euronext (vs. on NASDAQ in the USA)

05:48 — Doing a dual listing in Europe and in the USA

06:30 — What is Euronext and where does it operate in Europe?

07:05 — Camille Leca’s role at Euronext

07:12 — Example of companies listed on Euronext

08:38 — When is a good time for a company to think about an IPO?

09:56 — On how Camille helps companies get listed

10:40 — On Euronext’s IPO program for startups: Techshare

12:52 — Common pitfalls or misconceptions of companies

14:08 — Camille’s advice for early-stage startups considering a future IPO

15:30 — Introduction of Odd Sverre

16:02 — What Pexip is and how it compares to Zoom

17:31 — Example of Pexip customers

18:04 — How Pexip is used in healthcare

19:15 — Pexip’s “perfect” IPO mid-pandemic

21:54 — An outrageously successful virtual roadshow

24:10 — Why Pexip chose to do an IPO

26:06 — Why Pexip did not choose to list in the US

27:29 — The advantages of listing in Europe

28:15 — OS’ advice for early-stage company listing in Europe