Going Public Goes High-Tech

Entrepreneur, April, 2000 by David R. Evanson, Art Beroff

A final and noteworthy benefit to a virtual roadshow is that it's taped, so to speak. The company has the opportunity to make a "master" copy of the roadshow presentation where all the demonstrations go perfectly, all the right questions get asked, and all the right answers are given. The comment that there is nothing like being in the room with management for a live meeting cuts both ways. When the presentation goes well, it goes very well. But when things turn out badly--like a demonstration that blows up or a question that cuts the management team in half--the deal can die on the spot. This risk alone makes an Internet roadshow virtually a must for entrepreneurs eyeing an IPO.

David R. Evanson's newest book about raising capital is called Where to Go When the Bank Says No: Alternatives for Financing Your Business (Bloomberg Press). Call (800) 233-4830 for ordering information. Art Beroff a principal of Beroff Associates in Howard Beach, New York, helps companies raise capital and go public and is a member of the National Advisory Committee for the SBA.