Unlisted Shares: A Complete Guide for Beginners

 Investing in the stock market is not limited to just buying shares listed on the NSE or BSE. Many investors are now exploring the world of unlisted shares, which can offer unique opportunities and potential returns. But what exactly are unlisted shares? How do they work? Are they safe? This blog aims to answer all your questions in simple terms.

What Are Unlisted Shares?

Unlisted shares are the shares of companies that are not listed on any stock exchange like NSE (National Stock Exchange) or BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange). These companies are privately held, and their shares are not publicly traded on an open market.

Examples of companies whose shares may be unlisted include startups, subsidiaries of large corporations, or companies preparing for an IPO (Initial Public Offering).

Why Do Companies Stay Unlisted?

There are many reasons why a company may choose to remain unlisted:

1. Less Regulatory Burden: Listed companies have to follow strict rules and regulations. Unlisted companies are more flexible in how they operate.
   
   

2. Still Growing: Many startups and private companies are in their growth phase and are not ready for public investment.
   
   

3. Long-Term Plans: Some businesses prefer to stay private until they are big enough to benefit from going public.

How to Buy Unlisted Shares?

Unlike listed shares, buying unlisted shares is not as simple as placing an order through a trading app. Here’s how you can invest in them:

1. Through Brokers or Dealers: There are specialized brokers who deal in unlisted shares. They act as a bridge between buyers and sellers.
   
   

2. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): Some companies allow their employees to sell their shares to outside investors.
   
   

3. Startup Investments: You can invest directly in startups through platforms that connect businesses with investors.
   
   

4. Through Mutual Funds or PMS: Some portfolio management services invest in unlisted equity on behalf of their clients.
   
   

---

Benefits of Investing in Unlisted Shares

1. Early Entry Opportunity: You can invest in promising companies before they become public and grow in value.
   
   

2. High Return Potential: If the company grows and eventually gets listed, your investment could multiply.
   
   

3. Diversification: Unlisted shares offer an alternative asset class, which can reduce risk in a diversified portfolio.
   
   

---

Risks Involved

Like any investment, unlisted shares come with certain risks:

1. Low Liquidity: These shares are not traded on the stock exchange, so selling them quickly can be difficult.
   
   

2. Valuation Issues: There is no open market price, making it harder to assess the true value of the shares.
   
   

3. Regulatory Risks: Since unlisted companies are less regulated, transparency may be lower.
   
   

4. Lock-in Period: After the company goes public, SEBI mandates a lock-in period (usually 6 months) before you can sell your pre-IPO shares.

Important Tips Before Investing

• Do Your Research: Study the company’s financials, business model, and growth potential.
  
  

• Buy from Reliable Sources: Work only with trusted brokers or platforms that deal in unlisted shares.
  
  

• Understand the Exit Plan: Know how and when you can exit the investment.
  
  

• Start Small: Since these investments are risky, begin with a small portion of your portfolio.
  
  

Popular Unlisted Companies in India

Some well-known Indian companies whose shares are traded in the unlisted market include:

• Tata Technologies (before IPO)
  
  

• Reliance Retail
  
  

• HDFC Securities
  
  

• OYO Rooms

Conclusion

Unlisted shares offer an exciting investment opportunity for those willing to take some risk for potentially higher rewards. With the right research and guidance, investing in them can be a smart move, especially if you want to diversify your portfolio beyond the regular stock market.

However, always remember that these are high-risk investments, and it’s important to be informed and cautious. Seek professional advice if you’re new to this space.