Many VCs push Big 4 auditors onto earlier stage companies. Bad advice for most companies <$100M of ARR.
Waste of limited money and time...
1. Series A/B docs default to requiring an audit. Tell the board you want to push it out 1-2 years.
2. You do NOT need Big 4 for your first several audits. They are more expensive and take a lot more of your time. Switch when you have $300M+ in revenue and a path to IPO (hint: most won't ever need one)
3. Already stuck with Big 4 auditor? If an IPO now seems very unlikely or you are 5+ years away, then it’s OK to switch firms to a 2nd or 3rd tier firm. You can switch back to Big 4 later if needed