Beyond new-found riches, the initial public offering (IPO) greatly affects the company and its stakeholders. It is but one of various potential 'exit strategies' that a startup may pursue, but the most commonly heralded by media. We look at BioTransplant decision process to 'go-IPO'.

Relevant Texbook Chapters Chapter 16 The Profit and Harvest Plan Chapter 18 Sources of Capital
Discussion Questions 1. What is an 'IPO'? How does it differ from other ways of funding a company? 2. What are the key events prerequisite to an IPO? 3. Why is the process for selling shares to the public so heavily regulated? 4. How does an IPO impact the founders? The management? The private investors? 5. What are the pros and cons to an IPO? What are BioTransplant's alternatives?
Main Case Study: BioTransplant - Initial Public Offering Examines the decision to go public. BioTransplant is an early stage biotechnology company that must decide how to finance its research and development. The pros and cons of public offerings are analyzed versus alternative financing sources
Heidi Roizen: The advantages of profit Profit is nature's way of showing you value. With bootstrapping, you are not beholden to anyone. VC (venture capital) funding is important too, but at the appropriate time.