India’s financial landscape is witnessing a rapid shift as retail and high-net-worth investors explore alternatives beyond traditional stock markets. Among the companies steering this transformation is Bengaluru-based Stockify, a digital platform facilitating investments in unlisted and pre-IPO companies. Founded in 2022, the startup has emerged as a notable player in the fintech ecosystem by tapping into a sector long dominated by brokers and opaque practices.
Stockify was established by a group of finance and technology professionals who identified persistent inefficiencies in the unlisted equity market. The firm launched with the objective of bringing transparency, structure, and accessibility to a largely unregulated space. By digitizing the investment process—from discovery and analysis to execution and compliance—the company created a user-friendly platform that has found strong traction both domestically and internationally.
Bridging the Gap in the Unlisted Market
India’s unlisted securities market is estimated to be worth over Rs 75,000 crore, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8-10% over the next five years, according to a 2024 report by PwC India. However, until recently, access to such assets was limited to insiders or those with access to informal networks.
Stockify sought to change that. Within three years of its inception, the platform facilitated investments for over 5,000 clients in companies such as OYO, Swiggy, Boat, and the National Stock Exchange—firms with multi-billion dollar valuations yet to list on public markets. This early success points to rising investor appetite in pre-IPO equity, particularly among NRIs and HNIs.
“We realized that while there was interest, most investors were unsure about compliance, risk, and valuations,” said one of the co-founders. “So, we built a digital-first solution that demystifies private market investing.”
Global Expansion and Conservative Capital Strategy
Unlike many Indian startups that aggressively pursue venture capital in their early stages, Stockify opted for a self-funded model, relying on revenue-generating transactions rather than speculative growth. Industry analysts view this as a more sustainable approach in a sector prone to valuation bubbles.
The company has also expanded its reach beyond Indian borders, opening a representative office in Dubai to serve non-resident Indian investors and institutional clients from the Middle East. The platform’s dual presence allows for customized onboarding and regulatory compliance tailored to client location.
“Today, over 30% of our active investor base resides outside India,” the company stated. “Dubai is emerging as a crucial node for South Asian wealth, and we aim to be at the center of that.”
Riding the Fintech Wave
Stockify’s growth coincides with a broader fintech boom in India. The country is home to over 11,000 fintech startups, and the market is projected to reach \$1.5 trillion in AUM by 2030, according to the Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (IVCA). Regulatory reforms, easier Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, and the Digital India push have created an environment conducive to financial innovation.
The unlisted equity space, in particular, is becoming increasingly mainstream as investors look for high-growth opportunities. Stockify differentiates itself by offering extensive due diligence reports, investor education resources, and access to verified listings. It collaborates only with SEBI-registered intermediaries, ensuring that transactions are not just seamless, but also compliant.
Future Outlook
As Indian startups delay public listings in favor of extended private funding rounds, platforms like Stockify are likely to play a pivotal role in democratizing access to the country’s startup economy. With increasing interest from global investors and a more informed domestic base, the once-niche market of unlisted shares may soon become an integral part of mainstream wealth-building strategies.
As the fintech sector matures, Stockify’s measured approach, built on technology, compliance, and investor trust, could serve as a blueprint for how digital platforms engage with India’s evolving capital markets.