Investors around the globe are always on the lookout for new ways to diversify their portfolios and maximize returns. One emerging avenue is unlisted shares, a unique asset class that offers access to early-stage companies, significant growth potential, and enhanced portfolio diversification. But what are unlisted shares, and how can platforms like Precize streamline the investment process? Let’s dive in.

What Are Unlisted Shares?

Unlisted shares, also known as pre-IPO shares, represent ownership in companies that are not publicly traded on stock exchanges such as NSE or BSE. These shares are traded privately through brokers, specialized platforms, or other intermediaries.

Historically, investing in unlisted shares was a privilege reserved for large institutional players like venture capital firms, private equity funds, and investment banks. However, as private markets have evolved, retail investors now have an opportunity to participate in these promising investments.

Why Are Unlisted Shares Gaining Popularity?

The private equity market has seen tremendous growth in recent years. According to sources, private equity assets (excluding venture capital) have reached a staggering $3.6 trillion. This growth has been driven by factors like higher returns compared to public markets, increased private investment, and the rapid scaling of private companies. With a compound annual growth rate of 14% since 2005, private equity is outperforming other asset classes.

Key Advantages of Unlisted Shares

Unlisted shares offer several advantages that make them appealing to both seasoned and novice investors. Here are the key benefits:

1. Significant Growth Potential

Investing in unlisted shares presents an opportunity for substantial returns, especially if the company performs well and eventually goes public. Here are few examples:

• Tata Technologies: Share price rose by 156%, increasing from ₹469 in 2022 to ₹1,200 in 2023.
• Waaree Energies: Experienced a remarkable 311% growth, with its share price rising from ₹620 in 2023 to ₹2,550 in 2024.

2. Early-Stage Investment Opportunities

Investing early in promising companies can yield exponential gains over time. Notable examples include:

• NSE (National Stock Exchange): NSE unlisted share prices grew by 256%, from ₹1,700 in January 2021 to ₹6,049 in August 2024.
• Orbis Financials: Share prices increased from ₹65 in February 2022 to ₹405 in September 2024.
• HDB Financial Services: Share prices increased from ₹630 in September 2022 to ₹1,304 in November 2024.

3. Portfolio Diversification

Adding unlisted shares to your portfolio mitigates exposure to public market volatility while offering stable, long-term growth potential.  Since private markets are less influenced by daily trading activity, they tend to exhibit lower volatility compared to listed securities.

4. Access to Exclusive Opportunities

Unlisted shares grant access to startups and established private companies before they go public. Investing in such companies allows you to tap into opportunities not available in public markets.

How to Invest in Unlisted Shares

Acquiring unlisted shares involves navigating private markets, which can seem daunting to first-time investors. Fortunately, platforms like Precize simplify the process, making it accessible to investors of all levels. Here are the main ways to invest:

1. Direct Investment in Startups

Some startups offer shares directly to investors during fundraising rounds. This method often requires significant capital and due diligence.

2. Through Intermediaries or ESOP Sales

Unlisted shares can also be acquired through intermediaries who connect investors with sellers, such as employees looking to liquidate their Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).

3. Via Investment Platforms

Platforms like Precize offer a streamlined approach to investing in unlisted shares. With a minimum investment as low as ₹10,000, Precize makes private market investments accessible to all. The platform offers access to over 150 private companies, from startups like Boat to established companies like Tata Capital, ensuring opportunities for every investor.

How Precize Simplifies Unlisted Share Investments

Precize stands out as a trusted platform for private market investments. Here’s how it enhances the experience:

1. Access to a Wide Range of Companies

Precize provides access to over 150 private companies, offering real-time stock price updates for startups like Boat to established firms like Tata Capital. Investors can seamlessly check the latest Metropolitan Stock Exchange share price, NSE share price, and more on the platform. With daily updates, Precize ensures informed decision-making by keeping you updated on market movements and investment opportunities.

2. Comprehensive Research Reports

Precize offers detailed research reports that include peer comparisons and industry analyses and much more, to help investors make informed decisions. These insights enable you to evaluate a company’s growth potential and market position.

3. Price History

With historical price data, investors can analyze market trends and identify opportunities with strong growth potential.

4. Regular Market Updates

Precize keeps investors informed about private companies, industry trends, and pre-IPO news through its Unlisted Shares News section.

5. Seamless Transaction Process

Precize simplifies buying and selling unlisted shares through a 3-step investment process.  Investors can sell their holdings within 24-48 business hours, as the platform facilitates buyers for their shares.

Steps to Invest in Unlisted Shares via Precize

Investing through Precize is easy and straightforward:

1. Select Your Company: Choose from a list of over 150 private companies and select based on your financial goals and risk appetite.
2. Add Funds: Add funds into your Precize account via UPI or bank transfer.
3. Place Your Order: Once funds are added, place an order for unlisted shares. Shares are transferred to your depository account (NSDL or CDSL) within 24-48 business hours.

Risks of Investing in Unlisted Shares

While unlisted shares offer compelling benefits, they come with inherent risks:

• Limited Liquidity: Unlike listed shares, unlisted shares cannot be traded on public exchanges. However, Precize mitigates this by enabling easy liquidation within 24-48 business hours.
• Lack of Transparency: Private companies disclose less financial and operational information compared to public entities.
• Uncertain Timelines: The timeline for a private company’s public listing is unpredictable, potentially delaying returns.

To address these risks, Precize provides in-depth research reports to help investors make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Unlisted shares present a compelling investment opportunity, offering substantial returns, early access to promising companies, and portfolio diversification. However, like any investment, they come with risks that require careful consideration.

Platforms like Precize simplify private market investments by offering research reports and a user-friendly platform. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, unlisted shares can diversify your portfolio, and Precize is here to guide you every step of the way.

Reserve your access now to explore new investment opportunities!

Disclaimer: This information is for private use only and does not constitute investment advice. Company names mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply recommendations. Investors should assess risks and consult financial, legal, and tax professionals before investing. Investment outcomes depend on market conditions and company performance. Conduct thorough research and consider associated risks before making any investment decisions.