PEINVEST
Equitybee
ActiveStock option exercise financing platform helping employees retain equity while giving investors pre-IPO exposure.
3.80
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Last updated: 2026-01-23
Equitybee Overview
Equitybee provides financing for startup employees to exercise their stock options, offering an alternative to selling shares on secondary markets.
How It Works
For Employees 1. Apply with your stock option details 2. Get financing for exercise costs + taxes 3. Keep your shares, no immediate sale required 4. Repay at liquidity event
For Investors 1. Fund employee option exercises 2. Receive a share of the upside 3. Diversify across many companies 4. Access pre-IPO exposure indirectly
Investment Structure
- •A percentage of eventual gains
- •Downside protection features
- •Portfolio diversification
- •Pre-liquidity exposure
Benefits for Employees
- •Exercise options without cash outlay
- •Avoid forced selling
- •Retain full share ownership
- •Manage tax timing
Covered Costs
- •Option exercise price
- •Federal/state taxes
- •AMT obligations
- •Associated fees
Pros
- +Alternative to selling shares
- +Employee-friendly solution
- +Pre-IPO exposure for investors
- +Portfolio diversification
Cons
- −Indirect ownership (investors)
- −Complex structures
- −Liquidity dependent returns
Best For
- Startup employees with options
- Investors seeking diversified exposure
- Those wanting exercise financing
Key Features
Option exercise financingTax coverage includedPortfolio diversificationNo forced selling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Equitybee and how does it work?
Equitybee is a option exercise financing platform founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, NY. Stock option exercise financing platform helping employees retain equity while giving investors pre-IPO exposure. The platform serves both individual and institutional investors.
What fees does Equitybee charge?
Equitybee has a undefined% buyer fee structure. The minimum investment is $10K.
Who is Equitybee best suited for?
Equitybee is best for startup employees with options, investors seeking diversified exposure, those wanting exercise financing. Accreditation is required (Yes - Individual).
Fee Impact Calculator
Estimate total costs when investing through Equitybee
Investment
$10K
Total Fees
$0
Net Deployed
$10K
No buyer fees — 100% of capital deployed
Exit Scenarios (after fees)
Based on minimum investment of $10K. Actual fees may vary. Does not account for taxes, carry, or time value of money. See our methodology for details.
People Also Ask
How does Equitybee compare to other Option Exercise Financing platforms?
Equitybee is a notable player in the option exercise financing space with 8 years of operation. It competes on accessibility with a low minimum of $10K. Compare platforms side-by-side on our comparison page.
What is the minimum investment on Equitybee?
The minimum investment on Equitybee is $10K. Investors must meet yes - individual accreditation requirements. Both individual and institutional investors are accepted.
Is Equitybee legitimate and trustworthy?
Equitybee has been operating since 2018 (8 years). It is not FINRA-registered. As with all private market investments, conduct thorough due diligence.
Can I sell my shares on Equitybee?
Equitybee supports secondary sales. Price discovery may vary depending on the security. Liquidity in private markets is limited compared to public exchanges.
What types of companies are available on Equitybee?
Equitybee provides access to a curated selection of private companies. Availability changes based on supply and issuer approval.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- New York, NY
- Min. Investment
- $10K
- Buyer Fee
- N/A
- Seller Fee
- N/A
- Accreditation
- Yes - Individual
- Investor Types
- Both
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Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Private equity investments are high-risk and illiquid. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing. PEInvest may receive compensation from platforms featured on this site.