EquityZen alternatives

EquityZen's SPV model and low entry sizes make it popular, but it isn't the only option — and a pooled SPV isn't right for everyone. Here are the alternatives and how to pick, from someone who isn't one of them.

Why look beyond EquityZen

EquityZen pools buyers into an SPV rather than transferring shares directly, which suits smaller blocks but adds a layer between buyer and shares. People compare alternatives for a direct holding, a live price, or a different fee structure.

The main alternatives

Alternative	Model	Minimum (approx.)	Best for
Forge Global	Direct secondaries + funds	~$100k direct	Larger stakes, deep coverage + data
Hiive	Live bid/ask marketplace	~$25k+	A transparent live price
Nasdaq Private Market	Company-sponsored tenders	Varies	When your company runs a programme
Your company's tender	Issuer-run buyback/tender	Set by the company	Often the cleanest, best-priced route

Figures approximate and change; confirm current terms with each platform.

How to choose

Want to hold shares directly rather than via an SPV? A direct secondary (Forge) or a company tender puts you (or the buyer) on the cap table.
Want a live, visible price? Hiive's order book.
Larger stake? Forge's coverage and data suit bigger blocks.
Every route needs your company's ROFR and approval.

Where PrivateTechShares fits — and doesn't. We are not one of these platforms, not a broker or marketplace, and we take no cut of anything you do. We're the independent layer that helps you work out, for free, what your stake is worth, what it costs to exercise, and whether you can sell — before you choose a platform. Use us to decide; use them to transact.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to EquityZen?

It depends what you want. For a direct holding or a larger stake, Forge Global's direct secondaries fit. For a transparent live price, Hiive. And a company-run tender, when available, is often the best-priced and lowest-friction of all. EquityZen's edge is low entry sizes via its SPV model; the right alternative depends on your stake and whether you want direct ownership.

Is an SPV the same as owning the shares?

No. On EquityZen, buyers typically hold an interest in a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) that owns the shares, not the shares directly. Direct secondaries (e.g., via Forge) or a company tender instead put the buyer on the cap table. Which matters depends on your goals — it's one reason people compare alternatives.

Does PrivateTechShares compete with EquityZen?

No. We're an independent education and tools service, not a marketplace or broker. We help you understand your equity and how a sale works, free, so you can choose a platform — we don't transact or take a cut.

Get the numbers before you decide

Free, no sign-up: estimate what your stake is worth, the cost to exercise, and whether you can sell.

Value my equity (free) → · All free tools → · Glossary →

When you're ready to go deeper, there's an optional Equity Toolkit and Report.