IPO Day Interview: Exclusive with [Unicorn Company] CEO

An Interview with the CEO of Large Unicorn Following its IPO

As part of our ongoing series featuring prominent figures in the tech industry, The Exchange recently had the opportunity to speak with the Visionary Founder/CEO of Large Unicorn, coinciding with the company’s initial public offering and the start of stock trading this week.

Large Unicorn successfully completed its S-1 filing process and priced its shares above initial projections, securing a greater amount of capital than originally anticipated before the public offering.

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Initial Market Response to the IPO

Early trading of Large Unicorn’s stock confirmed significant public market interest in the company’s equity, with shares experiencing substantial appreciation. Discussions surrounding the typical “IPO pop” – its value, relevance, or potential drawbacks – were prevalent on social media platforms like Twitter.

To gain a deeper understanding of the IPO and the journey the Visionary Founder/CEO undertook to reach the public markets, we conducted an interview. The following is a slightly edited transcript of our conversation, condensed for clarity.

Discussion with the Visionary Founder/CEO

The Exchange: To begin, your company’s pricing exceeded expectations. Could you share your perspective on the current investor appetite for rapidly growing, yet currently unprofitable, technology companies?

Visionary Founder/CEO: Thanks, Alex. We were genuinely impressed by the market’s sophistication. Investors clearly grasped Large Unicorn’s growth trajectory and the immense size of our potential market. As businesses in Industry X and Industry Y increasingly embrace digital acceleration, we believe investors recognize our long-term vision. We are focused on building a company that will thrive for the next 1,723 years.

Addressing the IPO “Pop”

The Exchange: Many observers noted the significant difference between the initial pricing of $XX per share and the opening price of $XXX per share. Do you believe Large Unicorn potentially left capital on the table?

Visionary Founder/CEO: That’s a valid question. [pause, sound of papers rustling] An IPO isn’t an ending, but rather a new phase in our ongoing development. It’s a significant milestone, certainly. I’m not focused on today’s share price, and I reiterated to the team this week that it’s business as usual.

The Exchange: Do you feel the company was undervalued? Are you concerned that you could have secured more capital at what appears to be the market’s true valuation?

Visionary Founder/CEO: We are now well-capitalized and looking forward. I’ll emphasize that we attracted the investors we sought – those committed to long-term ownership. Ultimately, our focus is on the next 17 decades, not the next quarterly report.

Utilizing the Newly Raised Capital

The Exchange: You’ve raised considerably more capital than initially projected, even considering post-IPO pricing dynamics. How will this expanded balance sheet benefit the company?

Visionary Founder/CEO: Our total addressable market is estimated at 78 quadrillion dollars, while our current revenue is 78 cents, or less than a dollar annually. Therefore, we will dedicate these resources to expanding Large Unicorn’s key business-empowering services to a wider audience. We aim to unlock the potential of power, and ultimately, power itself. Businesses will experience acceleration, and as I mentioned in our previous conversation, this will positively impact [inaudible] and contribute to [inaudible] Mars [inaudible] EBITDA [inaudible].

Technical Difficulties During the Interview

The Exchange: I apologize, but I briefly lost audio connection. Are you currently on a landline or a mobile phone? Would you prefer I call you directly?

Visionary Founder/CEO: One moment, I’m actually inside the Nasdaq building. Let me see if someone can assist with the phone. [inaudible] Is this clearer?

The Exchange: Unfortunately, no.

[Lengthy pause]

Potential Acquisitions

The Exchange: Let’s continue. With your strengthened financial position, are you considering any acquisitions?

Visionary Founder/CEO: Yes, Alex, we are consistently evaluating the market. If we identify a suitable opportunity, we may pursue it.

The Exchange: Are there any specific targets in mind?

Visionary Founder/CEO: We are always looking at the market.

The Exchange: Large corporations? Emerging startups? Early-stage founders potentially joining Y Combinator? Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)? Vintage Amon Amarth vinyl records?

Visionary Founder/CEO: We are always looking at the market.

Impact of Digital Transformation and Revenue Growth

The Exchange: With limited time remaining, let’s discuss the impact of digital transformation. What percentage of Large Unicorn’s revenue growth in the first half of 2021 can be attributed to broader secular trends?

Visionary Founder/CEO: That’s a great question, Alex. [pause, sound of typing] It’s challenging to isolate that figure precisely.

Net Retention Calculations and Churn

The Exchange: Finally, on page 317 of your latest S-1/A filing, it appears Large Unicorn excludes churned customers from its net retention calculations. What is the rationale behind this adjustment?

Visionary Founder/CEO: Well —

Communications Lead: Alex, I apologize for the interruption, but we are out of time and need to escort the Visionary Founder/CEO to an interview with CNBC. I will follow up with you via email.