What Going Public During the Pandemic Taught This CFO

Vertex CFO John Schwab offers a first-hand account of helping take the company public in July 2020.

As a result of the pandemic, activities involving multiple teams—from engaging investors and public relations partners to drafting announcements, prepping spokespeople and planning media outreach—had to be conducted remotely.  

The Vertex IPO process was managed in two phases, starting with “testing the waters” meetings to obtain early feedback from the investor community, which informed the final presentation. After approval from the SEC, the team began a virtual roadshow to officially offer the chance to invest.  

John shares advice for other CFOs to help make the IPO process as fluid as possible, including creating forums to communicate important information and encourage an open dialogue among teams.