The Pre-IPO Playbook: Investing Before the Crowd – A Practical Guide to Navigating Private Market Opportunities By Adam Dooley Pre-IPO investing has historically been the domain of institutional investors and venture capital firms. As access to private markets evolves, understanding how to evaluate and participate in these opportunities has become increasingly relevant for sophisticated investors. In The Pre-IPO Playbook , Adam Dooley provides a structured and practical overview of the pre-IPO landscape, offering insights into how investors can assess high-growth private companies and position themselves ahead of a public listing. Drawing from nearly three decades of experience in private equity, capital markets, and strategic advisory, Dooley outlines the frameworks and considerations that guide professional investors through the process of identifying, evaluating, and managing investments in private companies preparing to access the public markets. Topics include: Sourcing and evaluating pre-IPO investment opportunities - Identifying business models and sectors with long-term growth potential - Understanding private company valuations and financial structures - Managing liquidity, governance, and risk in illiquid investments This book is intended for investors, advisors, and professionals who seek to deepen their understanding of the private investment lifecycle and the key financing events that influence outcomes in the pre-IPO phase. About the Author Adam Dooley is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Belay International Corporation , a private equity platform focused on scaling high-potential businesses across North America and Europe in partnership with institutional investors and experienced operating leaders. He is also the Founder and Managing Principal of Belay Associates , a SPAC sponsor platform specializing in business combinations with companies positioned for long-term growth and public market success. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning private equity, capital markets, and strategic advisory, Mr. Dooley has led complex cross-border transactions and advised both U.S. and international companies on navigating the path to public markets. His expertise covers the full SPAC lifecycle—from sponsor formation and investment thesis development to transaction structuring, capital formation, and post-merger integration. Mr. Dooley has worked closely with institutional investors and management teams to drive alignment on governance, strategy, and value creation. He is known for his disciplined, investor-focused approach to public market readiness and growth-stage investing. A graduate of the University of Southern California’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and IMD Business School in Switzerland, Mr. Dooley currently serves as Executive Chairman of Belay’s most recent SPAC vehicle. The Pre-IPO Playbook reflects his practical experience and insights as a sponsor, advisor, and capital markets strategist. He lives in Newport Beach, California, with his wife and three daughters. Keywords: Pre-IPO investing, private equity strategy, venture capital, alternative investments, private markets, IPO process, SPAC investing, growth-stage companies, capital markets, investment strategy, financial education, public market readiness, early-stage investing, Adam Dooley, The Pre-IPO Playbook