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What should a company do in its first 100 days as a public company?
Three things: file every report on time, establish regular communication with shareholders, including press releases, and execute the plan the raise was meant to fund. The first 100 days set the market's view of management. Doing what you said you would do matters more than anything else.
Joel Arberman, Meraki Partners · Reviewed October 2026. Based on 17 companies taken public since 1999: 11 by direct listing, 4 by reverse merger and 2 by IPO.
Which filings come first?
Quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K within four business days of major events, and the annual report on Form 10-K. Officers, directors and large holders may also have ownership reports to file. Missing a deadline early is the fastest way to lose credibility.
How should the company communicate?
Set a rhythm: press releases for material news, a clear investor page on the website, and honest updates on progress against the plan. Put material news out publicly before discussing it with anyone. See compliance mistakes.
What does executing the plan mean?
Using the capital for what it was raised for: hiring, the first acquisition, new locations or products. Investors judge a new public company on whether it does what it said in the registration statement.
What should the company avoid?
- Paid stock promotion, especially without full disclosure
- Founders selling shares
- Projections management doesn't truly believe
- Going quiet between filings
When should the company apply for OTCQB?
As soon as it is eligible, once the Form 211 clears and the stock is quoted. See the OTCQB requirements.
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