Going public, also known as an initial public offering (IPO), is the process by which a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time, allowing them to be traded on a stock exchange. Going public provides companies with access to capital from public investors, enhances liquidity for existing shareholders, and raises the company's profile and credibility in the market. It also allows employees to monetize their equity holdings and creates a market for the company's shares, facilitating future fundraising and acquisition activities. Going public involves regulatory compliance, disclosure requirements, and governance obligations imposed by securities regulators and stock exchanges. Companies considering going public must evaluate the benefits, costs, risks, and implications of becoming a publicly traded entity and assess their readiness for the rigorous scrutiny and transparency demanded by public markets.