Forge Global

Forge Global is a leading marketplace for buying and selling shares of private, pre-IPO companies. It serves accredited investors who want to buy stock in "unicorns" (companies valued over $1 billion) like SpaceX or Stripe before they go public. It also helps employees of these companies liquidate their stock options.

Forge provides data, pricing insights, and a secure transaction process for private securities. It merged with SharesPost to become a dominant force in the secondary market. It is a legitimate, NYSE-listed company catering to sophisticated investors looking for high-growth private assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. specific minimum investment?

The minimum investment on Forge is typically $100,000 per transaction. This high threshold reflects the institutional nature of the private secondary market and the costs of facilitating individual transfers.

2. Do I need to be accredited?

Yes, Forge Global is strictly for accredited investors. You must verify that you meet the income ($200k+) or net worth ($1M+) requirements established by the SEC to participate in private market trades.

3. specific transaction fees?

Forge charges a transaction fee to the buyer, typically around 5% of the total trade value. This fee covers the complex legal and administrative work required to transfer private shares.

4. How do I get the shares?

Shares are generally not transferred directly to your name but are held in a custodial account or an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) on your behalf until the company goes public or is acquired.

5. Is it liquid?

No, private company shares are highly illiquid. Once you buy, you generally cannot sell them easily until the company has an IPO or exit event, which could be years away. You should not invest money you need in the short term.