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US pre-IPO companiesOwn shares in a top US startup?
Guides for people who hold equity in the biggest US private companies — what your shares or options may be worth, the US rules on exercising and selling, and how a private secondary actually works.
Sell shares in a specific company
Hold equity in one of these? Each guide covers how a private secondary works for that company and the US rules that apply. Independent, educational guides for people who already hold their shares or options.
AI & Robotics
Fintech & Crypto
Developer, Data & Productivity
Space, Defense & Hardware
Understand your equity before you act
PrivateTechShares is an education and tools service — not a broker or marketplace. Work out what your stake might be worth, the rules and tax that apply, and how to prepare properly, with free calculators, guides and a preparation toolkit.
Get the equity toolkit →Sources & references
Official references for the US rules and tax treatment described here. Always confirm the current position with a qualified professional.
- IRS — Topic no. 427, Stock options
- IRS — Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax
- IRS — Topic no. 409, Capital gains and losses
- IRS — Net Investment Income Tax (3.8%)
- 26 U.S. Code § 1202 — Qualified Small Business Stock (Cornell Law)
- SEC Investor.gov — investing basics & private securities
New to this? Start with what every founder & employee should know about their equity — the plain-English field guide.
General information only — not financial, tax or legal advice. Company names and logos are the property of their owners and are used here only to describe the market for their shares. PrivateTechShares is an education and tools service: it is not a broker or marketplace, does not introduce buyers and sellers, does not hold funds, and does not execute or advise on transactions.