For years, it is believed that wealth creation was only for the elite—those with deep pockets, extensive knowledge, and strong industry connections. As a middle-class professional with a modest salary, investment strategy was limited to traditional options like fixed deposits, mutual funds, and occasionally, the stock market. However, the financial journey took a drastic turn when you discovered the power of unlisted shares—a lesser-known but highly profitable investment avenue.
Most retail investors stay away from pre-IPO shares due to the lack of information, accessibility, and fear of risks. But what if I told you that unlisted shares can help you build wealth faster than traditional stock market investments? This is the story of how investing in unlisted stocks transformed my financial life from ordinary to extraordinary.
Before we dive into my personal experience, let me explain what unlisted shares are and why they are an exciting investment opportunity.
Unlisted Shares are stocks of companies that are not yet publicly traded on stock exchanges like the NSE (National Stock Exchange) or BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange). These companies are either startups, well-established firms planning to go public, or subsidiaries of listed companies. Investing in unlisted shares before an IPO (Initial Public Offering) can give early investors an edge over traditional stock market investors.
Like many beginners, it was sceptical about investing in unlisted stocks. Everyone had many doubts:
After extensive research, consulting with financial advisors, and following expert opinions, You can decide to take a calculated risk by investing in a fast-growing fintech startup that was rumoured to be preparing for an IPO.
Mayank, a Software engineer from Bengaluru invested ₹1,00,000 in a pre-IPO fintech company that was making waves in the digital payment industry. The investment was made through a trusted intermediary specializing in unlisted shares.
Initially, nothing happened for several months. He saw some fluctuations in demand for these shares in the grey market for unlisted shares, but he held onto my investment with patience. Then, the big news came—the company announced its IPO at a valuation five times higher than Mayank purchase price!
When the company got listed, Mayank investment value tripled within a short period. What seemed like a risky move had turned into one of my best investment decisions.
This success encouraged me to explore more opportunities in India’s unlisted stock market, leading me to invest in other pre-IPO companies across technology, healthcare, and retail.
Encouraged by my initial success, Mayank started expanding my portfolio by investing in more pre-IPO stocks. Over time, I developed a strategy that helped me maximize my returns:
1. Research Extensively Before Investing – I analyzed a company’s revenue growth, future potential, competitors, and industry trends before investing.
2. Diversify Across Different Sectors – To reduce risk, I spread my investments across fintech, healthcare, IT, and consumer brands.
3. Hold for Long-Term Gains – Unlike day trading, unlisted shares require patience to reap maximum benefits.
4. Work With Trusted Brokers – Since NSE unlisted shares are not available on stock exchanges, I ensured my purchases were through reliable platforms such as Rits Capital.
5. Exit at the Right Time – Once the company goes public, I analyze the IPO valuation and growth potential before deciding to sell or hold.
Here are some important takeaways from my personal experience investing in unlisted stocks:
– Not all unlisted shares are worth investing in – Some companies fail to go public, so due diligence is crucial.
– Pre-IPO investments require patience – Unlike day trading, expect to hold your investments for a few years.
– Diversification is key – Never put all your money in a single unlisted stock.
– Exit strategy matters – Selling unlisted shares at the right time is as important as buying them.
– Unlisted shares are not just for rich investors – Anyone with the right knowledge can invest and profit.
Investing in Unlisted Shares changed my financial journey forever. What started as a small investment in pre-IPO stocks turned into a wealth-building opportunity that outperformed traditional investments.
Someone can have a diverse portfolio with holdings in promising startups and pre-IPO companies, giving me financial security and the freedom to explore other investment opportunities.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional investments, consider adding unlisted shares to your portfolio. With the right approach and due diligence, this hidden investment gem can take you from ordinary to extraordinary—just like it did for me.