Lise Buyer

Lise Buyer is a recognized authority in the field of initial public offerings, offering a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of IPOs and capital markets. Buyer is the founder and partner of Class V Group, an advisory firm specializing in strategic and logistical guidance for companies preparing to go public. She established Class V Group to address the need for unbiased, experienced assistance throughout the IPO process, drawing on her extensive experience from multiple facets of the financial industry. The firm maintains a selective client approach, ensuring senior partner involvement throughout each transaction, from early IPO preparation through entry into the public markets.

Before founding Class V Group, Buyer developed a diverse career across the investment landscape. She served as an investor for the Technology Team at T. Rowe Price Associates, where she was a technology analyst and a member of the investment committee for the Science and Technology Fund. Buyer also worked as an investment banker at Credit Suisse Technology Group, where she directed the Internet/New Media research practice. Her research was recognized in the Greenwich Associates poll. Her experience spans both the buy side and sell side, providing her with a unique understanding of IPO strategy and execution.

A significant chapter in Buyer’s career was her tenure at Google, where she served as director of business optimization and IPO. She played a key role in the development, structure, and execution of the company’s Dutch Auction IPO, contributing to the finance team’s decision to use the Dutch Auction process for pricing shares. For her contributions, Buyer received the Google Founders’ Award.

Buyer’s impact on the IPO and capital markets landscape extends beyond her advisory work. She has been a vocal critic of special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, highlighting their limitations for companies transitioning from private to public ownership. Buyer is featured in Dakin Campbell’s book, "Going Public: How Silicon Valley Rebels Loosened Wall Street’s Grip on the IPO and Sparked a Revolution." She serves as lead independent director, nomination/governance chair, and audit committee member for The Trade Desk and holds the NACD Directorship Certification.

Buyer has been recognized in Forbes Magazine’s "50 Over 50" list. She is a fellow of the Davos World Economic Forum and a recipient of a Silicon Valley Women of Influence award. Buyer is also a charter member of the TED Braintrust. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wellesley College and an MBA from Vanderbilt University as an Owen Merit Scholar. With decades of experience across the IPO ecosystem, Buyer is regarded as an expert in capital markets strategy and public company readiness.