​The Future of the Public Markets - Risks & Opportunities for PE

​For the past several years, the IPO window has remained effectively shut - leading many investors and csuite leaders to ask whether robust, high-growth businesses are being left behind. With an abundance of private capital and alternative liquidity options, the traditional path to the public markets is being re-evaluated.

​So, what does it take for an IPO to be a realistic and desirable strategic move in today’s market? If you're the owner of a £100m revenue business, what’s stopping you from listing? And what needs to change in both regulatory and commercial conditions for IPOs to regain their relevance?

​On the day of Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, join our expert panel for breakfast as we explore topics including:

​✅ Is the market really closed - or are businesses simply just choosing to stay private?

​Perspectives on why the IPO pipeline has slowed, the rise of alternative liquidity routes, and whether investor caution is the only reason causing high-quality businesses to be overlooked.

​✅ What are the real advantages of going public today?
Beyond capital access, how does listing impact valuation, credibility, governance, and long-term positioning? What signals ‘IPO readiness’ from an investor and operator perspective?

​✅ If you’re the owner of a £100m asset, why would you not pursue an IPO?
Exploring the deterrents - from valuation gaps and regulatory burdens to the short-term pressures of public markets. Is the balance of power shifting too far away from growth-focused leadership teams?

​✅ What regulatory and structural reforms are needed to re-energise IPO activity? Will Rachel Reeves have the answer?
Why are UK and European exchanges falling so far behind the US? Would changes in listing rules (e.g., dual-class shares, reduced reporting requirements) make a material difference?

​✅ When will the market ‘reopen’ - and will it ever look the same again?
Is this a macroeconomic issue (inflation, interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty), or is confidence the real missing factor? How should investors and boards be thinking about IPO timing in 2025 and beyond?

That said, we also want to hear from you - so be sure to include your questions for our panel when registering.

​Meet our panel:

​Neil Patel is an experienced investment banker specialising in the Technology, Media, and Telecoms (TMT) sector. As Head of TMT at Peel Hunt, he leads the team in advising listed and private companies on strategic transactions. Previously, Neil was at Liberum Capital and

​UBS Investment Bank, building board-level relationships and executing a broad range of corporate finance transactions across the globe. With a deep understanding of the sector, Neil provides clients with expert guidance on navigating capital markets and corporate growth strategies.

​Ariel White-Tsimikalis is a Partner in the Technology and Life Sciences Group at Goodwin leading the Equity Capital Markets & Public Company Advisory practice in London. She advises growth companies, VC and PE investors, and underwriting banks on equity financings, including IPOs, secondary offerings, and private placements. Ariel also co-chairs Goodwin’s ESG & Impact practice, guiding listed companies and investors on governance and social matters.

​She has spent time on secondment at Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Citi. Ariel serves on the Parker Review Committee, focused on board diversity, and is ranked in Chambers. She was named in the 2023 Powerlist in the City, sponsored by J.P. Morgan, recognising the UK’s top 25 most influential Black executives in Tech, financial services, and law.

​Ian Newton is Head of Business Development and Strategy at Raspberry Pi plc. He joined as the internal IPO adviser to the CEO and Board for Raspberry Pi’s June 2024 LSE listing. He is also a Member of the Investment Committee at the ICAEW, Senior Adviser to the 350 Club, and advises private companies on routes to public markets.

​Prior to joining Raspberry Pi, he spent over 25 years in investment management, including Head of Equity Capital Markets at Sand Grove Capital Management and Global Head of Equity Investments at Platinum Capital Management.

​James Bilefield is an experienced plc and private equity Chair and Non-Exec Director.  He currently chairs FTSE 250 STEM specialist recruiter SThree plc, and previously served on the boards of Moneysupermarket Group plc and Stagecoach Group plc.  He also chairs 2 private equity backed businesses (photo/video platform MPB and logistics marketplace Anyvan), serves as a Non-Executive Director at the FCDO and Trustee of the Science Museum Group, and acts as an advisor to McKinsey & Co.  

​He has a background as a Digital Entrepreneur (Skype, OpenX, UpMyStreet), Chief Digital Officer (Condé Nast) and Investment Banker (JP Morgan Chase).

​We look forward to the panel's insights and also encourage our guests to share their thoughts and questions on the topic when registering.