Form S-1
Also called: S-1, registration statement
In one line
The registration document a US company files with the SEC to go public, disclosing its financials and risks.
In plain English
The S-1 is the big prospectus a company files before an IPO, laying out its business, numbers and risk factors. Its filing signals an IPO is near.
If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old
The giant information booklet the toy shop must publish before it's allowed to open to the public.
Why it matters when you sell
An S-1 filing signals an approaching IPO and lock-up β a key moment when weighing whether to sell privately now or wait.
Related terms
Put it to use
When you're ready to go deeper, there's an optional Equity Toolkit and Report.
Sources
Primary references for this term: US SEC / Investor.gov. Our definitions are written in plain English and kept evergreen β see the glossary methodology. General information, not advice.
Educational information only β not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Definitions are general; your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.