Asking startup about IPO

May 21, 2021 9 Comments

I have an interview with a unicorn startup that hasn’t IPO’d yet coming up. I’ve never been in this situation before so I was wondering if it’s cool to ask my interviewers/recruiter about when an IPO is expected or if that’s considered taboo?

#tech #startup #ipo

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TOP 9 Comments
  • Uber
    ewesirnaam

    Go to company page Uber

    ewesirnaam
    I always ask and typically get a reasonable answer. Try to phrase your question in a way that allows a meaningful yet vague answer. For example, “Do you see an IPO closer to the 3 year mark or closer to the 10 year mark?”. That can lead to a question about if they have funding to get that far, and if not what sort of fundraising/dilution they anticipate needing to get there.
    May 21, 2021 1
  • New
    kPyE45

    New

    kPyE45
    Always ask, but generally speaking know that the answer is most likely made up. Unless the IPO is impending/in the works, companies rarely IPO when they say during the interview process.
    May 21, 2021 0
  • Apple
    LazyDoge

    Go to company page Apple

    LazyDoge
    They will only tell you if it’s already a public news, otherwise they are in violation of policies. Search online, if company has filed s-1 etc.
    May 21, 2021 0
  • HP
    EARK73

    Go to company page HP

    EARK73
    Similar question. I’m interviewing at Apple and want to know if I can see what the iPhone 13 looks like now. Worst case they say no?
    May 21, 2021 1
  • TikTok / Eng
    GOCf88

    Go to company page TikTok Eng

    GOCf88
    they aren’t going to tell you anything that’s not already in the news. not really taboo but it would be slight red flag for me as an interviewer, did this candidate bother to google the company?? is he/she going to ask a bunch of useless questions if i hire?
    May 21, 2021 0