Over a four-part series, my team and I are going to bring our journey from a private company, to listing with AIM on the London Stock Exchange to life. We’ll detail the ‘ins and outs’ of the process, a view of the current market and what the future could look like for our firm. This first piece focuses on the ‘why’…

Sitting in our Partner offsite at the end of March, news updates on the pandemic were rife. We watched as the UK prepared to follow countries across the world who had already entered a form of lockdown. But while most companies were bracing themselves, shutting offices and composing recovery strategies, we were preparing for the biggest transformation in Elixirr’s history. (So, business as usual then…).

Born in the midst of the financial crisis in 2009, Elixirr’s journey has been far from conventional from the beginning. But, from what may have been missing in following a traditional path has certainly not lacked in ambition. Growth has always played a core part of our strategy, and after establishing ourselves through traditional methods, attention turned to ways we could grow at a sustainable, but more substantial, pace.

While most companies were bracing themselves, shutting offices and composing recovery strategies, we were preparing for the biggest transformation in Elixirr’s history.

As Elixirr’s Founder I am incredibly passionate about what we have built. From our clients and our culture to our team, who underpin everything that we do. While many investment opportunities were appealing in economic terms, and as platforms for growth, one thing I have never been willing to compromise on is the essence and entrepreneurial culture of Elixirr. Over the years we have explored many investment opportunities; from private equity and debt, to full trade sales. The reality of handing over control, key decisions, and changing the narration of our story were things I just couldn’t accept… regardless of the reward.

So, why IPO?

Clearly there are many appealing points for firms; uncapped funding potential, maintaining core control of the business, and the ability to provide team incentives with liquid stock. We particularly liked the fact that we could build a firm of entrepreneurial consulting leaders who all had an interest in the equity growth of the firm – 100% aligned with financial shareholders! We saw an Elixirr IPO as a way to strengthen our position in international markets, raise the profile of the brand, and importantly continue to acquire new capabilities, following on from the success of Den, our 2017 acquisition.

Clearly there are many appealing points for firms; uncapped funding potential, maintaining core control of the business, and the ability to provide team incentivisation with liquid stock.

For a Founder wanting to continue to run their business and take it to the next level, an Initial Public Offering can be a great solution. For me, it opened up the future potential of Elixirr in such a way that private equity, trade sale or any other investment opportunity couldn’t compare. It was right for the firm.

My vision continues to grow, and I look forward to what the future holds for Elixirr.

#MSH.