Access to established private fintech companies
Private markets operate differently from public exchanges. Understanding those differences is the starting point for any private-company enquiry.
What a private company is
A private company is a business whose shares are not admitted to trading on a public stock exchange. Ownership sits with founders, employees, early investors and other private shareholders, and shares are recorded on a private register rather than traded through a market.
Many established technology companies now stay private far longer than previous generations of businesses did, raising capital privately instead of listing. As a result, a substantial amount of company value accumulates before any public listing takes place — and remains inaccessible through ordinary brokerage accounts.
Shareholders periodically seek liquidity
A secondary market exists because shareholders' circumstances change while the company remains private.
Employees
Employees holding vested equity may wish to realise part of their holding rather than wait for an uncertain future exit event.
Founders
Founders may seek partial liquidity while retaining a substantial continuing interest in the business.
Early investors
Angel investors and early funds may need to return capital to their own investors within a defined timeframe.
Whether any of these situations results in shares becoming available at a particular time cannot be predicted. Availability is intermittent.
Private and public markets are not equivalent
Private-company shares should not be treated as carrying the same liquidity or transparency as publicly traded securities.
Public market
- Exchange traded
- Continuous pricing
- Generally higher liquidity
- Public financial reporting
Private market
- Privately negotiated
- Limited availability
- Less frequent pricing
- Transfer restrictions may apply
- Longer holding periods may be necessary
What investors should expect
Limited liquidity
There is no exchange on which to sell. Exiting a position depends on finding an eligible buyer and on transfer permissions being granted.
Transfer restrictions
Company articles and shareholder agreements commonly require consent and may include rights of first refusal.
Longer investment horizons
Capital may remain committed for an extended and undefined period. There is no guarantee of a future listing or other exit.
Availability constraints
Opportunities arise only when an existing shareholder is seeking liquidity and the transaction can be completed lawfully.
Considering a private-market enquiry?
Register your interest to learn whether relevant secondary-market opportunities may be available.
Submitting an enquiry does not constitute a commitment to invest.