Where to find a buyer for your private shares in the United Kingdom

You've worked out what your equity is worth — here's the part everyone asks next, for holders in the United Kingdom: who buys private-company shares, and how you reach them, plus the UK rules that apply. Independent, plain-English, and no sales pitch.

How to read this page. PrivateTechShares is an independent education and tools service. This guide and the directory are for information only. We are not affiliated with, and do not endorse, recommend or receive payment from, any organisation listed, and we do not introduce buyers and sellers, arrange or advise on transactions, or handle money. Always do your own due diligence and take independent legal and tax advice.

Start here: your company usually controls this

Before looking for an outside buyer, remember your company almost always has a say. Your equity documents typically include a right of first refusal, transfer restrictions and a need for approval — and many companies run their own employee tender offers or buybacks, which is often the cleanest way to sell. The realistic first step is a short email to your stock administration or people team. The equity toolkit has ready-to-send templates for exactly this, and how tender offers work explains the route.

The UK rules that apply

In the UK, EMI and other option schemes are common, and buyers will expect vested, transferable shares with any right of first refusal cleared. Selling shares you already own is usually a capital gains matter — check your own position. How a sale works and how it's taxed depends on the rules in the United Kingdom — we've written a dedicated plain-English guide: selling startup shares in the United Kingdom. Read it alongside this page.

The routes to a buyer

There isn't one market for private shares — there are several routes (company buyback, existing investors, the next round's lead, secondary platforms, investor networks, family offices), each suited to a different size and stage. The full map, with how each works and how to approach it, is on the main guide: where to find a buyer for your private shares → This page focuses on the venues and networks relevant in the United Kingdom.

A neutral directory for the United Kingdom

Well-known, publicly listed venues and industry bodies, for your own research. Check any platform or investor is properly regulated in the United Kingdom, and take advice before acting.

UK & European investor networks

Secondary marketplaces & platforms

Forge Global ↗ — a large private-market secondary platform
EquityZen ↗ — secondary marketplace for pre-IPO shares (accredited investors)
Hiive ↗ — a marketplace for private-company stock
Nasdaq Private Market ↗ — company-run tender offers and private secondaries

These platforms are strongest for larger, recognisable, later-stage companies and usually require the company's approval to transfer; smaller or earlier-stage UK holdings may not find a buyer there.

Do the homework first

Knowing where the buyers are only helps once you know what you hold, what it's worth, and the UK tax. The free tools give you the numbers; the equity toolkit turns them into a decision — and includes the emails for asking your company and approaching a buyer.

See the equity toolkit →

Want it on your own numbers? The Personalized Equity Report models your specific grant end to end.

Questions people ask in the United Kingdom

Can I sell my private company shares in the United Kingdom?

Generally yes, if your shares are vested and transferable and you follow the company's transfer rules (right of first refusal, co-sale, board or company approval) and the securities rules that apply in the United Kingdom. It is a private, negotiated transfer, not a public-market trade. Confirm your own equity documents and take local legal and tax advice first.

Who buys private startup shares in the United Kingdom?

In rough order: the company itself (a buyback or employee tender), existing investors or shareholders (often via a right of first refusal), the lead investor in the next round, then — where those don't apply — secondary marketplaces, UK and European investor networks, angel syndicates and family offices. Which is realistic depends on the company's size, stage and rules.

Does PrivateTechShares broker or arrange the sale in the United Kingdom?

No. PrivateTechShares is an independent education and tools service. We do not introduce buyers and sellers, arrange or advise on transactions, hold money, or take any fee. This page is information to help you understand your own options in the United Kingdom — the decisions and due diligence are yours.