How Firms Issue Securities: IPOs and Private Placements

Raising capital is a cornerstone of corporate finance and investment strategy. This text-based course guides you through how companies issue securities to fund growth, whether through public markets or private investors. You will develop a solid understanding of primary market operations, underwriting methods, regulatory frameworks, and valuation fundamentals. What you will learn: Understand foundational capital market terminology and the role of investment banks. Analyze the step-by-step process of taking a company public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Examine private placements, venture rounds, and exempt offerings. Compare underwriting agreements, roadshows, bookbuilding, and pricing mechanics. Explore modern issuance mechanisms including direct listings and structured capital. The course begins with core financial concepts and regulatory baselines before walking through real-world corporate issuance scenarios and analytical exercises. Designed for aspiring financial analysts, business owners, and finance beginners, no prior corporate finance background is required. Read through the lessons to build a thorough foundation in modern securities issuance.