Beyond Canva: why Australia needs a repeatable capital markets flywheel
Australia is at a turning point. The conversation around Canva’s potential IPO is not just about one company. It signals a broader question: can Australia create a repeatable capital markets ecosystem that recycles talent, capital and confidence?
At the same time, private equity is sitting on record levels of dry powder, strategic buyers are active again, and infrastructure-style assets are pulling deal activity forward. These trends matter for SME owners because they point to a market that is once again underwriting long-duration growth, provided asset quality is real.
For founders and business owners, this is an opportunity to build with exit optionality, not desperation. It is a call to prepare for scale and credibility early, so that when the market opens, your business is ready.
Why this matters now
Public markets are slowly reopening to quality, profitable growth stories. Private equity firms have capital to deploy. Strategic acquirers are looking for platforms, not patches. This alignment creates a more mature continuum for Australian businesses:
Founders building with governance and scale readiness
Investors underwriting substance, not just stories
Buyers seeking strategic assets that can accelerate growth
For SME owners, this means the conditions for successful exits: whether through trade sale, private equity investment or IPO are improving. The question is whether your business is positioned to take advantage.
Insights
Recent deal activity shows a clear trend: buyers and investors are prioritising businesses with disciplined governance, strong unit economics and credible growth plans. Businesses that demonstrate these qualities attract higher valuations and more competitive processes.
This is not about chasing headlines. It is about institutionalising readiness so that success is repeatable. That requires earlier planning, deeper alignment between capital sources and a mindset shift from “who’s next?” to “what comes after?”
How MSA helps you prepare
At Morgan Shaw Advisory, we use our EBITDA+ SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS™ framework to help owners bridge the gap between current performance and future value. This process includes:
Strategic planning tailored to your business goals
Governance and financial discipline that builds credibility
Exit readiness assessments to position for multiple pathways
Our approach ensures your business is not only attractive today but prepared for the opportunities emerging in Australia’s evolving capital markets.
Practical steps for SME owners
Start governance and financial hygiene early
Build for optionality: trade sale, private equity or IPO
Treat scale readiness as a strategic asset
Engage advisors to accelerate credibility and execution
Ready to position your business for what comes next?
Book a confidential strategy session with MSA or download our guide: Unlocking maximum business value: the key to selling your business successfully.