In this special episode of The Data Minute, Peter sits down with Dave Chen, Co-Head of Global Technology Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, for a tactical deep dive on how today’s founders should think about going public.Dave shares what IPO prep really looks like in 2025 and beyond, why the best companies start working with bankers 2–3 years ahead of a listing, how institutional investors actually evaluate growth-stage companies, and which metrics every founder needs to start tracking long before they file a public S-1. He also breaks down the difference between “lean in” and “sobering” market windows, how valuation strategy works behind the scenes, and what happens in the high-pressure decision days right before a public debut.If you’re leading an aspirational company, or running growth-stage finance, this is the IPO playbook you’ve been waiting for.Subscribe to Carta’s weekly Data Minute newsletter: https://carta.com/subscribe/data-newsletter-sign-up/Explore interactive startup and VC data, with Carta’s Data Desk: https://carta.com/data-desk/Chapters:01:12 – Dave Chen’s path from pre-med to tech investment banking02:53 – The enduring founder journey from startup to IPO04:16 – IPO timelines have changed06:21 – How scale has shifted in the public markets07:28 – Is there still room for smaller IPOs?08:31 – Lean in vs. sober & clinical10:03 – Why companies now engage banks years before IPO12:00 – How founders can gauge IPO readiness13:08 – Building investor relationships years ahead of a roadshow14:34 – What happens when the IPO timeline shifts16:11 – 2024 recap: What happened, and what didn’t, in tech IPOs17:32 – The real reason we didn’t see more IPOs18:44 – Private capital changed the game for late-stage companies20:01 – The rise of structured late-stage rounds21:03 – How growth + downside protection are unlocking new deals22:53 – Why public investors love private exposure early23:06 – Does IPO prep differ for tech vs. non-tech companies?24:15 – 2–3 years out: What founders should focus on first25:13 – Most teams don’t optimize metrics correctly26:02 – The management team matters before and after the IPO27:26 – Designing a board that adds real support28:12 – Why predictable revenue matters pre-IPO29:34 – The fuel founders need to operate like a public company30:53 – The small M&A move that delayed an IPO by six months33:14 – Biggest mistake? Letting the IPO process control you35:15 – The point of no return36:32 – How banks help guide IPO valuation strategy38:15 – What to do when you don’t have direct comps40:01 – Getting credit for your company’s future performance43:28 – Should you raise the price range?44:26 – Press coverage and the IPO signal vs. noise45:19 – Start IPO readiness years before you need itThis presentation contains general information only and eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. (“Carta”) is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services, and is for informational purposes only.  This presentation is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. © 2025 eShares, Inc., dba Carta, Inc. All rights reserved. Initial public offerings (IPOs) and secondary offering suitability requirements apply. There is no guarantee of receiving IPO shares. Please be advised that public offerings are not suitable for all investors. IPOs are highly volatile and risky and should not be considered by investors with conservative investment objectives or low tolerance for risk. CRC 4745633 (08/2025)

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