Total amount raised
$11.3 Millions
Latest funding date
7/1/2017
Location
EquityZen has successfully raised funds through multiple rounds, establishing itself as a key player in the private market investment space. The platform connects investors with pre-IPO companies, offering unique opportunities to invest in private shares.
Keep reading to delve into the details of EquityZen's funding journey and the investors who support this innovative marketplace.
What Is EquityZen?
EquityZen, founded in 2013, is a marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of private company shares. Based in New York, the platform offers liquidity to early shareholders and private market access to accredited investors.
The company was established by Atish Davda, Phil Haslett, and Shriram Bhashyam. With a team of 51-100 employees, EquityZen has facilitated over 37,000 private placements across more than 400 companies.
EquityZen's innovative approach allows investors to access pre-IPO stocks with low investment minimums, making private market investments more accessible.
How Much Funding Has EquityZen Raised?
- Seed Round
- Amount Raised: Not publicly disclosed
- Date: January 2014
- Lead Investors: Not publicly disclosed
- Valuation at Round: Not publicly disclosed
- Motivation Behind the Round: To kickstart the platform and develop the initial marketplace infrastructure.
- Seed Round
- Amount Raised: $3M
- Date: October 2014
- Lead Investors: Not publicly disclosed
- Valuation at Round: Not publicly disclosed
- Motivation Behind the Round: To expand the team and enhance the platform's capabilities.
- Non-Equity Assistance
- Amount Raised: Not publicly disclosed
- Date: April 2015
- Lead Investors: Not publicly disclosed
- Valuation at Round: Not publicly disclosed
- Motivation Behind the Round: To receive strategic support and resources without diluting equity.
- Series A
- Amount Raised: $3.5M
- Date: September 2015
- Lead Investors: Not publicly disclosed
- Valuation at Round: Not publicly disclosed
- Motivation Behind the Round: To scale operations and increase market penetration.
- Venture Round
- Amount Raised: $1.8M
- Date: December 2016
- Lead Investors: Not publicly disclosed
- Valuation at Round: Not publicly disclosed
- Motivation Behind the Round: To further develop the platform and expand the user base.
- Series B
- Amount Raised: $3M
- Date: July 2017
- Lead Investors: Draper Associates
- Valuation at Round: Not publicly disclosed
- Motivation Behind the Round: To democratize access to private markets and enhance liquidity.
Total Amount Raised: $11.3M. Current Valuation: Not publicly disclosed.
Key Investors
- Draper Associates
- Details: Draper Associates is a venture capital firm founded by Tim Draper. It focuses on early-stage investments and has a history of investing in disruptive technologies and companies.
- Investment Focus Areas: Early-stage investments, disruptive technologies, industry transformation
- Notable Investments: Tesla, Skype, Baidu
- 500 Global
- Details: 500 Global is a venture capital firm that provides early-stage companies with funding, mentorship, and resources. It has a global presence and supports startups across various sectors.
- Investment Focus Areas: Early-stage companies, technology, consumer products
- Notable Investments: Credit Karma, Canva, Udemy
- WorldQuant Ventures
- Details: WorldQuant Ventures is an early-stage investment firm backed by the asset management fund WorldQuant. It focuses on disruptive companies in technology and finance.
- Investment Focus Areas: Technology, financial technology, data analytics
- Notable Investments: Quantopian, Kensho, TrueMotion
- Tim Draper
- Details: Tim Draper is a prominent venture capitalist and founder of Draper Associates. He is known for his investments in high-profile tech companies and his role in the venture capital industry.
- Investment Focus Areas: Disruptive technologies, early-stage investments, global markets
- Notable Investments: Tesla, Skype, SpaceX
What's Next for EquityZen?
EquityZen stands at the cusp of significant growth, driven by the increasing interest in private market investments. With over 2,000 investments in more than 70 large private firms, the platform offers a unique opportunity for private investors to diversify their portfolios with pre-IPO stocks. The recent $6.5 million funding round, led by Draper Associates, underscores the platform's potential to democratize access to high-growth private companies.
Looking ahead, EquityZen is poised to attract more substantial investments, further expanding its platform and bridging the gap for qualified investors. However, the company must navigate regulatory challenges and maintain secure, transparent transactions to build trust. Competing with other platforms and traditional investment avenues will also be crucial as it continues to grow.
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