Navigating the Path to the Public Markets: Crafting Your Story for a Successful IPO - #LATechWeek

Thursday, Oct 15

2:30pm – 5:30pm

Hosted by PwC, Nasdaq and Fenwick

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Taking a company public is one of the most transformative—and complex—milestones in a company's lifecycle. A successful IPO requires more than financial readiness and regulatory compliance; it requires a company to bring together operational readiness, financial discipline, legal and regulatory execution, market positioning, and a compelling investor story. This panel brings together leaders from across the IPO ecosystem, offering perspectives spanning the finance organization, capital markets, legal and regulatory considerations, IPO execution, and the rapidly evolving space and defense technology sector. Panelists include: Courtney Zeppetella — VP, Corporate Controller, SpaceX Jack Cassel — Head of Listings, Western US, Nasdaq Ran Ben-Tzur — Partner, Fenwick Mike Bellin — US IPO & Capital Markets Leader, PwC Chris Stephens — TMT Assurance Leader, PwC Together, the panel will explore the IPO journey from multiple vantage points: what CFOs and finance leaders need to build before entering the public markets; what exchanges, investors, and other market participants expect from prospective issuers; how legal and regulatory considerations influence IPO strategy and timing; and how companies can translate complex technologies and ambitious growth strategies into a credible investment thesis. For space and defense technology companies in particular, these considerations can be especially important. Companies must be prepared not only to demonstrate financial and operational readiness, but also to communicate their market opportunity, competitive differentiation, growth strategy, capital needs, and long-term value proposition in a way that resonates with investors and other key stakeholders. Ultimately, a successful IPO is not simply a financing event—it is a transition to operating in the public markets. Bringing together the perspectives of finance executives, legal counsel, exchanges, capital markets advisors, industry leaders, and investors can help companies understand what “ready” truly means and how to build the credibility and confidence necessary for a successful market debut and life as a public company. This event is a part of #LATechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.