When it comes to investing, myths and half-truths travel faster than facts.
One of the most common? That you can buy unlisted shares for as little as ₹10.
The truth is more nuanced and understanding it requires a closer look at how private equity pricing actually works.
A Market That Works Differently
Unlike public markets, where share prices change daily and are displayed openly on stock exchanges, unlisted share prices are negotiated privately.
The value per share can range from a few rupees to several thousand, but that “₹10” figure is rarely the full story.
Key Factors That Influence Pricing
1. Company Valuation
A startup valued at ₹100 crore with 1 crore outstanding shares will have a face value of ₹10.
However, the actual transaction price could be much higher based on investor demand and market appetite.
2. Stage of the Company
- Early-stage companies may have lower per-share prices but come with higher risk.
- Later-stage companies usually have higher prices, reflecting proven revenue and growth potential.
3. Negotiation & Demand
In private markets, there’s no “market maker.” Prices are set by what sellers will accept and buyers are willing to pay.
For example, a company with a ₹10 face value share could see real transactions at ₹200 or more if investor demand is strong.
4. Regulatory Rules
Private placements follow SEBI guidelines. These often include minimum lot sizes or investment amounts means investors cannot simply buy a single ₹10 share.
Why the ₹10 Myth Exists
That ₹10 figure often refers to the face value the nominal value printed on a share certificate, not the real transaction price.
Face value stays constant unless shares are split or consolidated, but the actual buying price in the unlisted market usually reflects:
- Growth potential
- Past performance
- Investor interest
How Fintech is Changing Access
Even if ₹10 deals are more legend than reality, access to unlisted shares is becoming easier thanks to fintech platform InCred Money.
Here’s What’s Changing:
- Lower Minimum Investment Amounts – Investors can now start from as low as ₹5,000, a fraction of earlier requirements.
- Expert Curation – Deals are pre-vetted, so investors don’t have to search for reliable sellers.
- Transparency Tools – Dashboards, reports, and updates provide real-time insights.
- Investor Education – Blogs, webinars, and research help investors understand pricing before entering.
Challenges That Still Exist
- Liquidity is limited : Selling quickly is not always possible.
- Valuations vary : Two sellers of the same company’s shares may quote different prices.
- Information gaps : Private companies are not required to disclose as much as listed ones.
Yet, informed investors see these challenges as part of the trade-off for early access to promising businesses with higher return potential.
Final Thoughts
So, can you buy unlisted shares for ₹10?
Technically, yes but in most cases, that’s only the face value, not the price you’ll actually pay.
What matters more is understanding how private equity pricing works and why the entry ticket is often higher than myths suggest.
With platforms like InCred Money, investors can approach this space with clarity, vetted opportunities, and realistic expectations.
The real opportunity isn’t in chasing a ₹10 share, but in investing early in companies you believe in, at a price that reflects their true potential.
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