Shakira "Kira" Morgan’s Post

So excited to finally tell y'all about our latest offering! As a company that often works with funded founders at a moment of transformation—reaching profitability, expanding markets and products, wholly repositioning or rapidly scaling—we share a certain bias toward velocity with our clients. Early-stage companies, say seed to Series B, are used to taking big brand swings every few months, updating their positioning and identity as their products evolve and their customer profile sharpens. But, like any four-year-old company, Chief Brand Advisory (CBA)’s clients have matured alongside us. And we’ve found that the brand needs of a Series C or beyond company getting ready to raise, exit, or IPO are very different from those in their earlier days. That’s why we’ve introduced 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, a new product from CBA focused exclusively on shoring up a company’s brand in preparation for a later-stage raise, an acquisition, or an IPO. Because we know that a well-orchestrated brand and founder story drives valuation and shareholder value. We bring a proven track record and a battle-tested process to leadership teams, ensuring they tell a clear, cogent, and compelling story when it matters most—during fundraising and the IPO process. By uniting messaging across all touch-points and audiences, elevating your visual design and voice, raising the profile of your leadership team, and distilling your company’s trajectory into a narrative that excites investors, customers, employees, and the public for what’s next. As the exit environment opens, we’re seeing an influx of companies prepping for their next big move. We’re partnering with companies for 18-36 months leading up to their next transition, so that when the time comes and all eyes are on them, the story they tell is clear, compelling, and accretive to valuation. If you're a venture-backed founder or work in 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥, 𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲 and you're interested in learning more about this offering, please DM me. #IPOPrep #Fundraising #VCs #PE #InvestmentBanking #Brand #Storytelling

It's been 25 years, but I remember my time at Kearney well and appreciate the shout out from Ben T. Smith, IV and the Kearney Digital and Analytics Practice. The rapid exposure to projects, industries and business problems you face in management consulting is a great career foundation. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to make the jump from pure technology into specific industry pursuits (wealth and asset management) and business leadership. ⁣

Think IPO readiness? Think again. In the rush towards an Initial Public Offering, businesses often find themselves caught in a metrics marathon. Revenue growth, EBITDA, user acquisition... the list is exhaustive. But are we sprinting in the wrong direction? Let's pivot our perspective. Consider cultural readiness: the unsung hero of IPO success. A company culture that embraces adaptability, innovation, and transparency doesn't just attract talent; it attracts investment. In the IPO arena, where scrutiny is high and stakes are higher, a resilient culture can be your strongest asset. Financial health is non-negotiable, yet it's the stories behind the numbers that truly resonate with investors. Sustainability practices, ethical governance, and community impact speak volumes about long-term viability and societal value. These are the metrics that forge deeper connections and foster trust. In preparing for an IPO, it's time to broaden our lens. Beyond the balance sheets, let's invest in the narratives that elevate our corporate ethos and societal contributions. Ready to shift the focus? Let's start the conversation on redefining IPO readiness for a sustainable future. Hi, I am Asheesh Chatterjee, a CA, CMA (India & UK) and an alumnus of Kellogg School of Management, I love talking about IPO readiness and corporate finance #IPO #culture #startup #founders #CEO #CFO #CHRO

🚀🚀🚀Fantastic session this month for leaders preparing for IPO ! Trecilla Lobo sharing her #IPO playbook with us 👀. Techspace , partnering with Ledgy and joining us , we have incredible panel PWC Daniel Harris and Quantexa Lorraine Metcalf joining us. 🚀🚀🚀 Book your seat. 🎟️

📉 "Analysts aren't projecting any of the large public SaaS companies to grow more than 40-50 percent over the next 12 months," shared Jade Mandel of Goldman Sachs at our most recent Opening Bell Forum. Watch the full clip for how later-stage startup founders should think about efficient usage of capital and making strategic growth decisions. This was a segment from the Opening Bell Forum, centered on later-stage rounds and expected liquidity. It was hosted by Charlie O'Donnell with additional guest Yoonkee Sull (ICONIQ Growth). A special thank you to KPMG, HAYMAKER, Stifel Bank, and Bolster for making this event possible! #SaaS #GrowthStrategy #Investment #TechIndustry #GoldmanSachs #Leadership #BusinessGrowth The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker as of April 17, 2024, for informational purposes only and do not constitute any investment advice or recommendation by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and may be subject to change. We have relied upon and assumed (without independent verification) the accuracy and completeness of such information and neither agree nor disagree with the content herein.   Individual portfolio management teams for Goldman Sachs Asset Management may have views and opinions and/or make investment decisions that, in certain instances, may not always be consistent with the views and opinions expressed herein.

🚀 **How an IPO Impacts Your Company Culture and Operations** 💼 Taking your company public can feel like a huge milestone, but let’s talk about what happens *behind the scenes*—how it can reshape your company culture and day-to-day operations. First off, going public often means *more structure* and *greater transparency*. You’ll have shareholders to answer to, and that can bring in new layers of accountability. That’s not a bad thing! But it can shift how decisions are made and who’s involved. And then there’s the culture... IPOs can bring pressure to hit those quarterly targets, which sometimes leads to a more performance-driven atmosphere. It’s crucial to keep an eye on that balance between growth and maintaining the values that got you here in the first place. Keep your team feeling connected to the mission, even when the stakes get higher. The key? 💡 Stay true to your roots, no matter how much change comes your way. Your culture is your strength—don’t lose sight of it in the hustle to hit the next milestone. 🌱 #IPOJourney #CompanyCulture #BusinessGrowth #StayGrounded #LeadershipTips

🚀 Unlocking Opportunities: The Power of IPOs! 💼 🔍 What is an IPO? An IPO marks the moment when a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time, allowing investors to become shareholders and participate in its growth journey. It's a landmark event that catapults companies into the spotlight, fueling expansion, innovation, and market capitalization. 💼 Why are IPOs Game-Changing? IPOs are a catalyst for financial transformation, enabling companies to access capital, enhance visibility, and unlock value for stakeholders. They offer investors the opportunity to invest in promising ventures and be part of their evolution from startup to success story. 🌟 Key Aspects of IPOs: 1️⃣ Capital Infusion: IPOs raise funds for companies to fuel growth initiatives, expand operations, and pursue strategic opportunities. 2️⃣ Market Debut: IPOs generate excitement and buzz as companies make their stock market debut, attracting attention from investors, analysts, and media outlets. 3️⃣ Liquidity Event: IPOs provide liquidity to existing shareholders, allowing early investors and employees to monetize their investments and realize returns. 💡 Why Should You Pay Attention to IPOs? Whether you're a recent graduate or early career enthusiast, IPOs offer a front-row seat to witnessing industry disruptors, innovators, and visionaries make their mark on the global stage. They present unique investment opportunities and insights into market trends and emerging sectors. Follow Perpetuity for more explainers, career tips, and podcasts with industry leaders! #IPO #FinanceCareers #InvestmentOpportunities #MarketInnovation

If I ever make it big, I’d start a fund and probably only invest in two types: - Super early stage: Founders who can prove they’re resilient and quick to iterate. Fancy titles mean nothing to me—zero relevance. I only care about those two traits. - Growth stage: Products and business models with self-reinforcing properties and core assets that can’t be replicated by a 20-person team working around the clock for two months. Media buzz? Also zero relevance. I only care about those two business characteristics. But in today’s VC world, early-stage investments are all about titles, and growth-stage investments are all about media hype.

Pre-IPO: Beyond the Hype - Your Guide to Early-Stage Investing 💡 Been hearing a lot about this pre-IPO thing lately. Sounds exciting, right? Invest in companies before they're even public, potentially strike gold! But is it all sunshine and rainbows? Let's break it down: The Good Stuff: Early Access: Be an early adopter! Invest in groundbreaking companies before everyone else catches on. Explosive Growth Potential: Imagine getting in on Google before it became... Well, Google! Diversify Your Portfolio: Add a unique layer to your investments, potentially spreading out your risk. The Thrill: Witness disruptive innovation unfold firsthand and potentially play a role in shaping the future of technology. The Reality Check: Hard to Sell: These investments can be tricky to get rid of, so be prepared to hold on for a while (or longer than you might think. High Risk, High Reward: These young companies are exciting, but there's a big chance they could fail. Your money could disappear faster than a free coffee voucher Finding Info is Tough: Getting reliable info on these companies can be tough. Solutions: Navigate the Pre-IPO with Confidence The pre-IPO market can be thrilling, but it demands a strong research and risk taking ability. Here is your guide: Become a Master : Research the company thoroughly. Understand their business model, market potential, and leadership team. Don't rely on whispers or speculation. Seek Expert Guidance: Consider consulting with a financial advisor experienced in pre-IPO investments. They can help you assess the risks and develop a suitable strategy. Diversify Your Portfolio: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Pre-IPO investments should be a small part of a well-diversified portfolio. So, is Pre-IPO Right for You? So, the pre-IPO market can be a thrilling yet complex landscape. By understanding the potential rewards and the challenges involved, you can make informed decisions about whether it's right for you.we believe in empowering investors with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the financial world with confidence. Ready to Discuss? Would you ever consider pre-IPO investing? What are your biggest concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments below! # preIPO # earlystageinvesting # investing

On Monday, I posted a big round-up of startup funding and M&A news that founders and investors had posted on LinkedIn in the last 24 hours. It was a lot! https://lnkd.in/ehJjCZjn Now it's the end of the week, and I'm seeing a different, but still fitting, type of news on my feed... retirements and departures. Here's a cross-industry collection of what executives are sharing on the platform again all just in the last 24 hours: 1) Carmine Di Sibio, EY global chairman and CEO, is sharing a look at his last day in office after 39 years with the firm: https://lnkd.in/e_Snc_SQ 2) Also with 39 years under his belt, PwC Global Chair Bob Moritz is handing over the reigns to incoming chair Mohamed Kande: https://lnkd.in/ecbpGhEf 3) Suneet Varma, Global Oncology & US President at Pfizer, shared his plans to retire early next year: https://lnkd.in/ezhAuD6S 4) S&P Global CEO Douglas Peterson posted about his plans to retire in November after 11 years at the rating agency https://lnkd.in/e7j4E3hB 5) and Guillaume Le Cunff, the CEO of Nestlé Nespresso SA is saying goodbye after 16 years with the company: https://lnkd.in/ekmMGbgi Here at LinkedIn, we're all taking a semi-retirement for our annual July 4 week company shutdown. I'll still be on here though and my DMs are open. If your company wants to coordinate a major executive news announcement like any of the ones mentioned above please hit my line! (photo made with Microsoft copilot prompt: A dog receiving a gold watch from his boss after he retires)