Going Public Is Easier than It Seems
This was one of the clearest messages shared by companies participating in South Summit 2026, where founders and executives spoke about their real experience in the IPO process.
Far from the traditional perception of a complex or inaccessible path, the conclusion was clear: when a company is ready, accessing the market is more agile, natural and valuable than many expect.
The discussion took place during the “Scale to IPO” session, organised by BME as part of the Scaleup Journey programme—an intimate format designed for open, candid conversations about what it really means to take the step towards the markets.
From Myth to Reality
For years, going public has been surrounded by certain misconceptions: lengthy processes, high costs and a perceived exclusivity for large companies. However, the current environment has evolved significantly.
BME’s growth markets —BME Growth and BME Scaleup— have been designed to support expanding companies, with structures tailored to their size. Today, nearly 160 companies are listed on these markets, which have channelled more than €8 billion since their creation.
In this context, the stock market is no longer seen as a distant destination, but rather as a strategic tool for growth.
The Voice of Companies
One of the key strengths of the session was hearing directly from those who have already gone through the process.
Executives from companies such as Endurance Motive (Javier López Sevilla), Redegal (Jorge Vázquez and David Lasta), Lleida.net (Sisco Sapena), GrandVoyage (Arvin Abarca), Optare (Luis Álvarez Sestelo) and Cuatroochenta (Ángel López) shared a common view: being listed changes how the market perceives a company.
In the case of Redegal, the experience highlighted the impact of listing on trust. They explained how, even in commercial meetings, being a listed company made a clear difference—enhancing perceptions of solidity and professionalism and making conversations easier.
Similarly, Javier López Sevilla from Endurance Motive highlighted the benefits of being listed, particularly in facilitating access to capital and the valuations achieved, as well as the discipline and transparency in financial reporting and the trust this generates among suppliers, financial institutions and other stakeholders.
Beyond Financing
All companies agreed on one key point: going public is not just about raising capital.
Companies such as Lleida.net highlighted the impact on visibility and reputation, noting how the market and media amplify the company’s results and activity, creating a multiplier effect on positioning.
Meanwhile, Cuatroochenta underscored the value of the surrounding ecosystem, particularly initiatives like the BME Pre-Market Environment, which helps companies prepare and reach the IPO stage with greater knowledge and confidence.
Transparency and Corporate Culture
Transparency was another central theme. Rather than seeing it solely as a reporting obligation, companies such as Optare stressed that going public means integrating transparency into the corporate culture.
This shift goes beyond compliance: it involves adopting a more structured, demanding way of working aligned with market standards, ultimately benefiting the entire organisation.
Governance and Support
In the case of GrandVoyage, the discussion focused on governance. Despite its relatively short track record as a listed company, they emphasised the value of being able to define control and the project’s strategic roadmap with a long-term vision, while bringing in shareholders who contribute vision, support and discipline.
This balance between independence and openness is one of the most valued aspects for companies taking this step.
Timing Matters
Rather than focusing on process complexity, the debate centred on a key question: when to take the step.
Companies agreed on the importance of avoiding extremes—neither going public too early nor waiting too long. The right moment comes when there is:
A validated business model
A clear value proposition
A well-defined equity story
In this sense, preparation is critical.
Preparation and Support
Several speakers stressed the importance of understanding timelines, costs and, above all, the “day after” as a listed company.
Initiatives such as the BME Pre-Market Environment play a key role here, allowing companies to anticipate scenarios and approach an IPO as a natural step in their growth journey.
From Exposure to Credibility
Public exposure has traditionally been a concern. However, companies agreed that this exposure becomes an advantage. Transparency is no longer seen as a burden, but as a factor that enhances credibility, internal discipline and market trust.
A New Narrative
The message from South Summit is clear: the perception of going public is changing, driven by real company experience.
More and more businesses see the market as a tool to grow, professionalise and gain visibility, rather than as an inaccessible process.
At BME, the goal is to continue supporting this journey. But it is the companies themselves, through their experience, that are redefining the narrative.
Because today, going public is no longer a myth, but a real opportunity for many scaleups ready to take the next step.