How to Sell Shares in a Private Company: Shareholder Guide

Unlocking Liquidity in Private Markets

Mirai Capital bridges the gap between employees, founders, and existing shareholders on one side, and qualified investors seeking stakes in privately held companies on the other.

Whether your holdings consist of common or preferred shares, our team helps you pursue liquidity options and steer through the secondary market ahead of an IPO or another exit event.

Professional reviewing financial data, documents and calculations on a laptop while evaluating private company shares.

Step 1: Reach Out to Mirai Capital

Begin by getting in touch with our team and telling us which company's shares you're thinking about selling.

We'll talk through your holdings and your liquidity goals to get the process underway.

Step 2: Share the Details of Your Holdings

Let us know what you hold — including the company name, the share class, and the value you're looking to sell.

Our team will go over the information and walk you through current market pricing and the level of buyer interest.

Step 3: Register Your Intent to Sell

Tell us the price per share you have in mind, the size of the transaction, and any timing considerations.

If you're uncertain about how to price your shares, we can help you make sense of current market conditions and set realistic expectations.

Step 4: Get Introduced to Prospective Buyers

We'll gauge interest across our network of institutional investors, family offices, and other qualified buyers.

As offers begin to surface, we'll keep you updated on what buyers are looking for.

Learn more about how private equity secondary transactions work and the opportunities they may offer existing shareholders.

Step 5: Assess and Negotiate Offers

When a buyer shows interest, you'll have the chance to review their proposed price and terms.

You can accept what's on the table, make a counteroffer, or hold out for a better fit. Our team is there to help move negotiations along between both sides.

Step 6: Pairing with Buyers

Once you and a prospective buyer settle on the principal terms, the transaction can proceed.

Your shares may be sold to a single buyer or split among several. For instance, if you're looking to sell 10,000 shares, you might:

Sell 6,000 shares to Buyer A

Sell 4,000 shares to Buyer B

Each agreed allocation may be carried out as a separate transaction, subject to the necessary documentation and approvals.

Step 7: Close Out Your Transaction

With terms in place, we'll help coordinate the required paperwork, compliance reviews, and — where applicable — company approvals.

After a successful settlement, your shares are transferred and the sale proceeds are delivered to you.

Timelines can differ depending on the company and its transfer requirements.

Interested in the buyer’s perspective? Explore our guide on how to buy shares in private companies.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice, nor is it an offer or solicitation to transact in securities. Private securities are illiquid, carry risk, and may be subject to transfer restrictions. Buyer availability, pricing, and deal completion are not guaranteed. All transactions remain subject to applicable regulations and required approvals.

Contact Mirai Capital to discuss your shareholdings, liquidity objectives and potential secondary market options.

Looking to Sell Your Private Company Shares?