Investing, Unlisted Shares

Demystifying the Unlisted Market in India

BY Adnan Hussain
2 Mins Read
April 11, 2025

The Indian stock market is well-known for its buzz around IPOs and listed companies. But beneath the surface lies a quieter, lesser-known world — the unlisted market. This space deals with Unlisted Shares, which are shares of companies not traded on public stock exchanges like the NSE or BSE. And while it may seem mysterious to some, this market is becoming increasingly accessible and attractive to investors seeking early opportunities in high-growth companies.

In this blog, we’ll explain the unlisted market, how it operates in India, and why more investors are starting to pay attention.

What Are Unlisted Shares?

Unlisted Shares are shares of companies that are not publicly traded on any recognized stock exchange. These companies can be startups or well-established private companies. Since they aren’t listed, buying and selling these shares happens in the private market through dealers, investment platforms, or direct transfers.

Examples of companies whose Unlisted Shares have attracted attention include Reliance Retail, HDFC Securities, Tata Technologies, and Capgemini India — all solid names operating off the radar of public exchanges.

How Does the Unlisted Market Work in India?

Unlike listed stocks, the unlisted market operates through private deals and specialized platforms. Here’s how it works:

Sourcing Shares

Unlisted Shares typically come from existing shareholders — such as employees with ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans), early-stage investors, or promoters — looking to liquidate some of their holdings.

Platforms and Brokers

Platforms like InCred Money have made it easier for retail investors to access these opportunities by sourcing shares and offering them transparently.

Valuation

Unlike listed stocks with real-time prices, Unlisted Shares are valued based on private deals, past funding rounds, company performance, and future prospects. The price is negotiable and varies depending on demand and market sentiment.

Transaction Process

Buying Unlisted Shares involves signing share transfer documents, completing KYC, and making payments via bank transfer. The shares are then transferred to the investor’s Demat account, just like listed shares.

Exit Options

Investors can exit their holdings in a few ways

IPO: When the company gets listed, shares become tradeable on the stock exchange.
Buyback or Acquisition: The company or another firm may buy back shares.
Secondary Sale: Shares can be sold to another investor on the unlisted market.

Why Invest in Unlisted Shares?

Early Entry, Higher Upside

Get in before the crowd—investing in companies at an early stage means higher potential returns when they grow or go public.

Diversification

Unlisted Shares can be a great way to diversify beyond the typical stocks, mutual funds, and bonds.

Conclusion

The unlisted market in India is no longer just for HNIs or institutional investors. Thanks to digital investment platforms, retail investors now have the opportunity to access high-quality private companies before they go public. However, the potential for high rewards comes with higher risk and requires careful due diligence.

If you’re considering investing in Unlisted Shares, make sure to:

Risks and Considerations

Like all investments, Unlisted Shares carry risks. Here are a few key ones:

Low Liquidity: You can’t sell your shares as easily as listed stocks.
Information Asymmetry: These companies don’t publish regular financials like listed firms, so research is crucial.
Valuation Challenges: Without a market-driven price, shares may be under- or overvalued.
Regulatory Risks: While legal, the unlisted market is not as tightly regulated as the stock exchange.To explore verified opportunities and start your investment journey with confidence, visit InCred Money.