FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers on platform status, accreditation, pricing labels, selling, security, and fraud — with links to the deeper material.
Is InvestNow a live marketplace?
No — it’s a demonstration platform. It models how organized private-market liquidity works (verified participants, labeled pricing, custody settlement) as an educational reference. Nothing here is an offer of any security. See Platform status.
Who can invest in private markets?
Most private offerings are limited to accredited investors — defined income, net-worth, or license thresholds — and publicly advertised offerings must verify status, not just ask. Accreditation, explained.
Are the prices on the site real?
They’re indicative — estimates built from a disclosed input hierarchy (trades, bids, round terms, appraisals, models) and labeled with source tiers. An indicative price is a reference for negotiation, never a quote. What indicative means.
How long does selling private shares take?
Weeks, not minutes: agreement, the company’s right of first refusal (commonly 30 days), consent, then settlement. Plan a one-to-three-month arc. The lifecycle.
Why do tender prices differ from headline valuations?
Tenders buy common stock at negotiated prices; headlines price preferred stock with extra rights. Tenders · why the numbers differ.
Can private shares sit in a retirement account?
Yes — through a self-directed account at a qualified custodian, with titling, valuation, and prohibited-transaction rules riding along. The mechanics.
How is settlement protected?
Delivery versus payment through custody: funds and shares move only together, with per-record authorization behind every step. Security & Trust.
How do I spot a pre-IPO scam?
Borrowed famous names, manufactured urgency, secrecy requests, and wires to personal accounts. Real shares survive verification with the company’s transfer agent; fakes never do. The Fraud & Scams Center.
Where do I report investment fraud?
Bank fraud department first (recall windows are short), then IC3.gov, ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and sec.gov/tcr — full list on the fraud page.
What does it cost to sell?
Expect exercise costs (if options), transaction fees, and taxes — all knowable in advance. Run the one-page worksheet before agreeing. Costs & taxes.
We’re a company — why run a liquidity program?
Retention, cap-table hygiene, and control of a gray market that forms anyway. The operator’s guide · For companies.
I’m an RIA / law firm / platform — how do we integrate?
The rails expose verified accounts, custody settlement, and data — start with For Partners and the inquiry form there.
Where does the education content come from?
It’s written for this platform — 30+ articles, six white papers, and a 251-term glossary — all general information, not advice. Start at Insights.
Educational only. InvestNow is a demonstration platform. This page is general information, not investment, legal, or tax advice, and not an offer or solicitation of any security. Consult a qualified professional about your circumstances.