Piyush Prajapati
12th August, 2025
Unlisted shares are the equity shares of companies that are not listed on any recognized stock exchange such as NSE or BSE in India. These companies are privately held and do not trade publicly. Investors can buy and sell these shares through private placements, over-the-counter (OTC) deals, or specialized platforms.
Unlisted shares, also known as private market shares or off-market shares, are equity of companies that are not listed on any public stock exchange. These non-public shares are traded privately, offering investors early-stage opportunities before companies go public."
Pre-IPO shares are a category of unlisted shares that belong to companies that intend to go public in the near future. These shares are issued or traded before the company launches its Initial Public Offering (IPO), giving investors an early entry opportunity.
How to Invest in Unlisted Shares
Investing in unlisted shares, including pre-IPO shares, is becoming increasingly popular among investors looking for early-stage opportunities. While the process is not as straightforward as buying listed shares, there are multiple ways to access these investments.
- (i) Through Authorized Dealers and Brokers
- (ii) Through Online Platforms like RR Finance
- (iii) Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
- (iv) Private Placements or VC/PE Funds
- (v) Buying from Existing Shareholders
Steps to Invest:
- (I) Shortlist the company whose unlisted shares you want to buy
- (II) Verify the source or platform you’re using to buy shares
- (III) Negotiate the price – there is no fixed price like on stock exchanges
- (IV) Complete KYC with the broker/platform
- (V) Make the payment via bank transfer
- (VI) Receive shares in your demat account
Important Points to Keep in Mind:
- (I) Minimum Investment: Varies, often ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 or more
- (II) No real-time pricing: Prices are based on last traded deals
- (III)Liquidity Risk: Selling shares later may take time unless the company lists or a buyer is available
- (Iv)Taxation: Treated differently than listed shares (longer holding period, higher capital gains tax
Benefits of Early-Stage Investing
Investing in unlisted Shares or pre-IPO shares gives investors access to companies in their growth phase — before they are publicly listed. While the risks are higher, the potential benefits of early-stage investing can be significant
- 1. High Return Potential
- 2. Discounted Valuations
- 3. Exclusive Investment Opportunities
- 4. Early Access to Future Market Leaders
- 5. Strategic Investment Opportunities
- 6. Potential Tax Benefits
- 7. Limited Market Volatility
Conclusion:
Investing in unlisted or pre-IPO shares is ideal for investors who are looking for high-growth, high-reward opportunities and are comfortable with higher risks and longer holding periods. Proper research, trusted platforms, and patience are key to success in this space.
Piyush Prajapati
12th August, 2025