There is more than one way to become a public company. The right path depends on the business, its stage and its goals.
For most real operating businesses, the most direct route: the company qualifies and lists its own shares. A typical timeline is around ten months.
For larger, fast-growing companies in timely sectors that can realistically raise substantial capital in the offering.
A regulated reverse merger structure, such as a TSX Venture Capital Pool Company, that can suit earlier-stage or resources companies that need to move quickly.
Generally not the best path for a real business, because of contingent liabilities, unknown history and the equity retained by shell holders.
Decide whether going public fits your goals and which path makes sense.
Build the governance, reporting and financial foundation a public company needs, often alongside one or more private placements.
Prepare the filings, work with the exchange and complete the listing.
Use disclosure and the four levers to grow.