
Inside the Public Markets with Grassi: IPOs, PCAOB Audits & Raising Capital
Send us Fan Mail Inside the Public Markets with Grassi: IPOs, PCAOB Audits & Raising Capital On this episode of Off Road with Frank Ferraro , Frank sits down with Lou Pizzileo, Partner and Leader of Grassi’s SEC & Capital Markets Practice, and Paul Plevritis, Audit Manager specializing in PCAOB audits and public companies , for an inside look at what small- and micro-cap companies are facing in today’s public markets. The conversation explores the current IPO environment and how tighter exchange requirements are affecting companies seeking to go public, even as the SEC review process has shown improvement. Lou discusses how growth companies continue to find creative financing structures when traditional paths become more difficult. Lou and Paul also break down what it really takes for a private company to become public—from assembling the right investment bankers, securities counsel and accounting team to cleaning up cap tables, financial records and complex securities before the filing process begins. Paul provides a PCAOB auditor's perspective on a problem many management teams underestimate: the accounting may be correct, but the documentation supporting it often isn't ready for a public-company audit. They also discuss why IPO-readiness professionals and experienced public-company CFOs can significantly shorten the process. The discussion also covers: Complex debt, warrants, derivatives and other financing structures PCAOB audits and internal-control requirements The importance of experienced public-company finance teams Maintaining auditor independence while helping management navigate the process Why going public is only the beginning of the financial reporting burden How Grassi approaches client relationships and responsiveness The changing IPO market and alternative paths companies are using to access capital Lou also discusses Grassi's work with VENU , including the company's path through the S-1 and IPO process, and explains why its commitment to building a strong finance and accounting team provides a useful example for other companies entering the public markets. The episode closes with a discussion about something increasingly rare in professional services: responsiveness and accountability. Lou explains Grassi's philosophy simply—say what you're going to do, and then do it—and why that approach has become part of the firm's culture. Guests: Lou Pizzileo and Paul Plevritis, Grassi Host: Frank Ferraro, Andrea Cataneo Podcast: Off Road with Frank Ferraro Support the show Thanks for listening to Off-Road with Frank Ferraro. Subscribe for new conversations on capital markets, innovation, and the future of business.









