On the show · · 35 minutes
The Hidden Problem Behind Every IPO (And How It's Being Fixed)
0:0035:23
Most founders never think about transfer agents... until they become a problem.
In this episode of Liftoff with Keith Newman, Keith sits down with Rob Schoder, Co-Founder & CEO of Vinyl Equity, to discuss why one of the most important pieces of capital markets infrastructure has remained stuck in the past—and how modern technology is changing it.
Drawing from his experience leading portfolio operations at AngelList, Rob explains why outdated shareholder systems create unnecessary friction for founders, investors, and public companies, and how Vinyl is building the next generation of ownership infrastructure.
In this episode you'll learn:
- Why transfer agents are critical to every public company
- The biggest challenges companies face during IPOs
- How legacy infrastructure slows innovation
- Why API-first platforms are changing capital markets
- The growing role of AI in shareholder management
- Lessons from building a regulated fintech startup
- Why founders should market their wins earlier
- What the future of capital markets could look like
Whether you're a founder, CFO, investor, legal professional, or fintech enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into the technology powering modern equity ownership.