ServiceTitan IPO Guide Part III: Executing your plan
John’s an Senior Manager at Secfi, helping founders, executives and employees navigate equity compensation and access to liquidity through his expertise in finance.
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John’s an Senior Manager at Secfi, helping founders, executives and employees navigate equity compensation and access to liquidity through his expertise in finance.
Welcome back to the third installment of the ServiceTitan IPO Guide!
Today, we’re here to help you pull it all together and set yourself up to successfully execute your IPO plan. But first, let’s recap Parts I and II:
In IPO planning, weighing risk and reward is essential. For instance, if you hold ServiceTitan stock for a year after exercising, you may benefit from a lower long-term capital gains tax rate, but this comes with market uncertainty over the year. Conversely, selling immediately provides cash now, although it may come with a higher tax rate and missed potential for stock appreciation.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your plan should reflect your financial situation and risk tolerance. For some, a major financial gain might mean early retirement, while for others, it could be a boost to an existing portfolio. The key is finding the right approach for your unique circumstances.
If you’re comfortable managing your finances and have the time, you may choose to handle the IPO on your own. If that’s not your strength or priority, you might prefer guidance. Many people turn to professional advisors for peace of mind, especially when it comes to managing high-stakes IPOs.
It’s not uncommon that clients come to us after making costly mistakes in their IPO planning or taxes, proving that getting it right the first time is invaluable. Mistakes made during an IPO can be expensive and challenging to fix, so consider having someone on your team who specializes in this area.
The IPO market is known for its unpredictability, and outcomes can vary widely. While we don’t know where ServiceTitan’s stock price will land in 3, 12, or 24 months, there are key principles that can guide your planning:
Diversifying your holdings can help reduce risk, especially if much of your wealth is tied up in one stock. A high concentration of equity can create wide swings in net worth, making it harder to plan for the future. By securing your foundation with diversified assets, you can potentially pursue higher returns without jeopardizing your financial stability.
Market timing is often unpredictable. Rather than trying to pick the perfect sale day, consider setting thresholds or periodic sales to gradually diversify your holdings. A predetermined sales plan can help you avoid emotional decisions when the time comes.
Tax-efficient strategies like exercising options and holding for favorable tax rates can make a meaningful difference, regardless of market performance. If you’ve already exercised some options, that’s great. If not, there may still be ways to minimize taxes while balancing the stock’s future growth potential.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A combination of selling some shares while holding others may offer the best balance. With different types of equity, there may be further planning opportunities based on varying tax treatments.
If ServiceTitan goes public, you’ll have reached a milestone that few achieve—being part of a successful IPO. Thousands of startups set out with IPO aspirations each year, yet only a small fraction make it. Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, and acknowledge the hard work, sacrifices, and persistence that brought you here.
While this IPO marks an exciting new phase, it’s only the beginning of your journey toward sustained financial growth. As you consider your next steps, know that Secfi’s wealth advisory team is here to support you—not just in navigating this IPO, but in building a lasting financial foundation and working with you as your goals evolve.
So, as you prepare to take advantage of this IPO opportunity, know that you have a trusted partner in Secfi and that we’re ready to help you turn this milestone into a foundation for lasting wealth. Schedule a time to connect with an advisor below—we look forward to supporting your journey.