Ask HN: How do ex-employees sell shares in a late-stage, pre-IPO company?

6 points by whimwell 4y ago ↗ HN

I was an early employee of a company that closed their $150M series E in May. I'd like to liquidate some of the shares I own instead of waiting another 2-3 years for a possible IPO. I understand there are secondary markets that broker these deals but I haven't had any luck with them. Can I find an interested buyer myself and skip the wait/brokerage fee? If my former employer and its investors have a tendency to exercise its ROFR, can I just approach them directly with an offer to buy some of my shares?

1 comment

[ 3.8 ms ] story [ 15.6 ms ] thread

giantg2 4y ago ↗

I would guess the secondary market is best. You might be able to find direct buyer, but that might be tricky (interesting side idea is maybe start a new tab on this site for these kinds of transactions/listings). I kind of doubt the company is interested in them at this stage. Maybe one of the existing investors is, but that might be tricky to find them.