Benefits and Opportunities Capital to Sustain Growth Merger & Acquisition Strategies Increased Prestige & CreditabilitY Easier Access to the Capital Markets Exit Strategy for Shareholders Incentives for Key Employees Increased Market Value Less Dilution Drawbacks And Continuing Obligations As with the benefits of going public, the relative importance of the drawbacks and continuing obligations must be considered. Loss of Confidentiality & Privacy Risk of Losing Control Annual Cost of Being Public Ongoing Fiduciary Responsibilities Answering to Shareholders Investor Relations Concerns Stock Volatility Cost of Going   " R&D Funding " Angel Financing " Venture Capital " Debt Financing " Subordinated Debt " Going Public