Going public can be an exciting yet daunting process for any company. The regulatory requirements, investor relations, and financial planning involved make for an intense process. But for Adam Graham, the founder and CEO of home services company JustFix, his previous experience running a public company has prepared him well for the journey ahead.
As Adam now guides JustFix toward an initial public offering (IPO) on London’s Aquis Exchange, he feels both thrilled and realistic about the road ahead. “I’m very excited, but I also know the challenges of being public,” said Adam. “Having already been a public company executive, I can navigate the pros and cons. My prior experience provides confidence that I can handle this next chapter.”
Sparking Innovation and Growth
The origins of JustFix stem from Adam’s own frustrating experience being locked out of his home one day. As he explains, “I just couldn’t believe how old-fashioned the process of finding a locksmith was. I fully expected there to be an Uber-style solution for home repairs, but I was really surprised it didn’t exist.” Compelled to solve this consumer pain point, Adam became determined to streamline the process of booking home repairs. He built an initial prototype, tested assumptions, and created a minimum viable product to validate demand for an on-demand home services app. With positive signals from initial users, Adam proceeded to raise angel financing to further develop JustFix.
Since those early days getting JustFix off the ground, Adam has led the company through several fundraising rounds, including a seed round last year. Now, after 4 years of fine-tuning JustFix’s model and technology, Adam has set his sights on the public markets. “We’re still an early stage company, but going public is the next strategic step for us,” said Adam. “It gives us access to new types of investors and liquidity for early shareholders.”
Adam expects JustFix to debut on the Aquis Exchange within the next few months, depending on the timing of the company’s roadshow and investor interest. The Aquis Exchange offers a more lightly regulated, lower cost public listing option compared to the main London Stock Exchange. Catering to younger, smaller companies with an average market cap of £55 million, it provides an earlier entry point to public market financing. The exchange has demonstrated strong momentum in its latest results, with a 44% increase in trading value and a 10% rise in the number of trades. Its Apex segment, which represents more mature companies, has seen three companies graduate from Access to Apex, showing clear pathways for growth.
Leveraging Experience
For most startup founders, the idea of being a public company CEO is daunting given the complex responsibilities involved. But Adam’s prior experience running a public company offers him valuable perspective. “Having been a public company executive before, I know how to manage things like news flow, liquidity, and shareholder communications,” said Adam.
He also emphasized the importance of assembling an effective yet nimble board of directors. “You need to find a balance between good governance and not being smothered in bureaucracy,” Adam advised. “Having the right board to guide the company is crucial.” Adam’s seasoned insights will help steer JustFix as it transitions into a publicly traded firm. As a veteran public company executive, he knows how to balance governance with growth.
Transforming an Outdated Industry
At its core, JustFix is tapping into people’s frustration with the antiquated process of hiring home repairs. As Adam explained, “It’s frankly astounding how prehistoric the user experience is for booking home maintenance.” By providing an Uber-like solution for home upkeep, JustFix delivers simplicity and convenience in a traditionally opaque, fragmented industry. The company combines bespoke technology with a relentless focus on customer experience to disrupt the home services sector.
While still an early-stage venture, JustFix is already demonstrating strong traction with customers and service providers. With Adam’s IPO experience, JustFix is positioned to bring much-needed innovation to the home upkeep industry. As the company looks to raise several million dollars in its upcoming public listing, it will gain additional capital to fund the expansion of its customer-focused vision.
For busy homeowners and landlords alike, JustFix provides a welcome solution to one of life’s persistent hassles. To find out more, connect with Adam J Graham on his LinkedIn page or visit his website.
