Best Lenders Against Private Company Stocks: Top Financial Institutions for Equity-Backed Loans in 2026

Owning shares in a private company can represent significant wealth on paper, but accessing that value without selling your stake has historically been challenging. Traditional lenders often hesitate to accept private equity as collateral due to valuation complexity and limited liquidity. However, a growing number of specialized lenders now offer financing solutions that allow you to borrow against your private company stocks while maintaining ownership and future growth potential.

These loans let you unlock capital from your unlisted shares without triggering immediate tax consequences or giving up your position in the company. Whether you hold founder shares, executive equity, or pre-IPO stock options, several financial institutions have developed programs tailored to your specific situation. Understanding which lenders specialize in private share lending and how their offerings differ can help you make an informed decision about accessing liquidity from your private investments.

The landscape of private equity lending includes major financial institutions, boutique advisory firms, and specialized fintech platforms. Each lender brings different underwriting criteria, loan structures, and expertise to the table based on your company's stage, industry, and potential exit timeline.

10. Bentley Capital / bespoke private share lending desks

Bentley Capital Funding offers specialized lending solutions for private company shareholders. They provide loans against unlisted stocks and pre-IPO shares, allowing you to access capital while maintaining ownership of your equity.

Their approach focuses on tailored financial solutions rather than one-size-fits-all products. You work directly with their team to structure loans based on your specific situation and the characteristics of your private company shares.

Bentley Capital also connects businesses and investors through joint ventures and other funding arrangements. This broader network can be useful if you need more complex financing beyond a simple stock-backed loan.

The firm evaluates lending opportunities based on company performance, your ownership stake, and potential exit scenarios. They serve entrepreneurs, executives, and high-net-worth individuals who hold significant positions in unlisted companies.

Bespoke private share lending desks like Bentley Capital typically offer more flexibility than traditional lenders. You can use the borrowed funds for various purposes, including meeting capital calls, diversifying investments, or addressing personal financial needs. The application process generally moves faster than conventional bank loans since the collateral is already established through your share ownership.

9. Harris Williams Capital Solutions Founder & Executive Loans

Harris Williams operates as a global investment bank that focuses on middle-market companies. The firm offers private capital solutions alongside its merger and acquisition advisory services.

You can work with Harris Williams if you need financing solutions as a founder or executive. They advise on structured capital arrangements and preferred equity transactions. These services help business owners access liquidity without selling their companies outright.

The firm handles GP-led secondary solutions and junior capital placements. You might find their expertise useful for complex financing structures. Harris Williams serves as an advisor rather than a direct lender in most cases.

Their team connects you with capital sources that understand private company situations. The firm has experience with fund-level financings and co-investment capital raises. You should note that Harris Williams primarily acts as an intermediary and advisor.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company maintains a global presence. Their private capital solutions group works specifically with sponsors and portfolio companies on various financing needs.

8. Forge Global Financing Liquidity for Pre-IPO Shareholders

Forge Global operates the largest private securities marketplace in the United States. The platform connects you with buyers and sellers of pre-IPO company shares.

You can access liquidity for your private company stock without waiting for an IPO. Forge serves accredited investors who hold equity in venture-backed startups and late-stage private companies. The platform has facilitated over $15 billion in trading volume.

Charles Schwab completed its acquisition of Forge Global in 2026 for $660 million. This deal expanded access to private market investments for retail investors through a major brokerage firm.

Forge provides real-time pricing data and market information for hundreds of private companies. You can view current bids, asks, and recent trade prices through their platform. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about selling your shares.

The marketplace offers multiple ways to access liquidity. You can sell shares directly to other investors or participate in single-company funds. Forge also provides custodial services to hold your private securities.

You must be an accredited investor to use Forge's services. The platform focuses on established private companies with institutional backing.

7. First Citizens Fund Banking Private Financings Venture-Backed Equity Loans

First Citizens Fund Banking offers lending solutions designed for venture-backed companies and their stakeholders. The bank works with technology and life science companies that have received venture capital funding.

First Citizens Fund Banking provides commercial banking services to companies in the technology, life science, healthcare, and private equity sectors. Their lending relationships extend to both companies and the venture capital funds that invest in them.

If you hold equity in a venture-backed private company, First Citizens Fund Banking may offer financing options secured by your shares. These loans are part of their broader focus on serving the innovation economy.

The bank operates as a division of First Citizens Bank following regulatory changes in 2023. They continue to provide venture debt and equity-based lending to the startup community.

First Citizens Fund Banking has relationships with venture capital firms and can structure loans for founders, executives, and investors who need liquidity without selling their private company shares. Their experience in the tech and life science sectors means they understand the unique aspects of private equity valuations.

You should contact First Citizens Fund Banking directly to learn about their current lending terms and eligibility requirements for equity-backed loans.

6. Pacific Coast Alternatives Private Equity Loan Solutions

Pacific Coast Alternatives provides loans secured by private company stock and other illiquid assets. The Southern California-based lender focuses on entrepreneurs and investors who need capital without selling their holdings.

You can use private equity stakes, real estate interests, or limited partnership positions as collateral. This approach lets you access funds while keeping ownership of your assets.

The company offers what they call NAV lending and bespoke financing solutions. These loans work as alternatives to raising new equity or taking on traditional debt. You won't dilute your ownership stake when you borrow against your private investments.

Pacific Coast Alternatives structures each deal based on your specific situation. They work with independent private equity sponsors and individual investors. The firm recently closed a $4.25 million secured lending facility in February 2026, showing active dealmaking.

Your loan can serve as bridge financing until a planned liquidity event occurs. The company evaluates diversified portfolios of private company interests when underwriting loans. You should consider this lender if you hold significant private equity positions and need capital without triggering a sale.

5. Financely Group Private Stock Lending

Financely Group specializes in providing liquidity solutions for private company shareholders. Through its digital platform, you can access loans secured by your private company stock, allowing you to unlock capital without selling your equity.

Financely works with a network of institutional lenders and family offices, matching borrowers with the most competitive terms available. The process is streamlined and technology-driven, offering transparency and fast turnaround times.

The platform accepts founder shares, employee stock options, and pre-IPO equity as collateral. Financely structures each loan based on company valuation, your ownership, and expected liquidity events. You receive personalized support throughout the process.

Financely is known for flexibility and confidentiality, making it a popular choice among executives and investors looking for discreet liquidity solutions. The company also provides advisory services for complex private share situations.

If you need to access funds from your private company holdings, Financely Group offers a modern, digital-first approach to private stock lending.

4. 3Spoke Capital Private Share Liquidity

3Spoke Capital is a specialist lender focused on providing liquidity against private company shares, including founder and executive equity. The firm works directly with shareholders to structure loans backed by unlisted stock, enabling you to access capital while maintaining ownership.

3Spoke Capital evaluates your company’s performance, ownership structure, and exit horizon to tailor lending terms. They are known for working with high-growth startups and late-stage private companies, offering solutions that align with the needs of entrepreneurs and early investors.

The lender provides both individual and portfolio-based lending solutions. 3Spoke Capital is recognized for its flexible underwriting and ability to close deals quickly, making it a preferred partner for those seeking fast access to liquidity.

Whether you need funds for diversification, personal expenses, or to participate in new investment opportunities, 3Spoke Capital can help you unlock value from your private shares without forcing a sale.

3. J.P. Morgan Private Bank Securities-Based Lending

J.P. Morgan Private Bank offers securities-based lending that lets you borrow money using your investments as collateral. You can use stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to access capital without selling your holdings.

The bank provides a line of credit backed by your marketable securities. This means you keep your investments while getting cash for other needs. You won't trigger a taxable event by liquidating assets.

J.P. Morgan works with you to understand how this lending fits into your wealth plan. They balance your short-term cash needs with your long-term investment goals.

The process involves pledging your non-retirement securities as collateral through Chase Bank. You get flexible access to funds when you need them, whether for planned expenses or unexpected costs.

This type of lending can help you bridge liquidity gaps without disrupting your portfolio. You maintain ownership of your assets while they continue to potentially grow in value. The bank offers customized lending options based on your specific situation and the securities you hold.

2. Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Unlisted Stock Facilities

Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management offers lending solutions that allow you to borrow against your private company shares. You can access liquidity without selling your equity or triggering a taxable event.

The firm works with ultra-high net worth individuals and families who hold significant stakes in unlisted companies. Their lending programs focus on clients with account sizes exceeding $10 million. You receive support from advisors who collaborate across investment banking, asset management, and global markets.

Goldman Sachs structures these loans based on your company's performance, your ownership stake, and potential exit opportunities. The firm has expanded its lending capabilities to include alternative investments as collateral. This gives you more flexibility in how you access capital.

Your loan is provided through Goldman Sachs Bank USA. The platform connects you with research and banking resources that help navigate complex financial situations. Goldman Sachs received recognition as the World's Best Private Bank for Net Worth over $25 million at the 2026 Global Finance Awards.

The firm is expanding its lending operations to wealthy private bank clients. You gain access to capital while maintaining ownership in your growing business.

2. 3Spoke Capital - Flexible Lending for Private Equity

3Spoke Capital specializes in providing liquidity solutions for shareholders of private companies. Whether you are a founder, executive, or early employee, 3Spoke Capital offers loans secured by your unlisted shares, allowing you to access cash without selling your equity.

The firm tailors its loan products based on your ownership position, company stage, and upcoming liquidity events such as IPOs or acquisitions. Their approach enables you to unlock value from your holdings while retaining future upside potential.

3Spoke Capital works closely with clients to navigate shareholder agreement restrictions and company policies. They provide guidance throughout the process to ensure compliance and maximize your borrowing options.

This lender is a strong choice if you need personalized service and flexible structuring for your private company equity loan.

1. Secfi - Pre-IPO Financing for Employees

Secfi focuses on helping startup employees access the value of their equity before their company goes public. If you work at a pre-IPO tech company, you may have stock options or shares that you cannot easily sell yet.

Secfi offers financing products that let you exercise your stock options without paying out of pocket upfront. This means you can own shares in your company today rather than waiting for an IPO or acquisition.

The company provides nonrecourse financing for stock options. With this type of loan, you only repay if your company has a successful liquidity event. If things don't work out, you typically won't owe the money back.

Beyond financing, Secfi gives you access to equity planning tools and one-on-one guidance from licensed strategists. These resources help you understand your options and make informed decisions about exercising and tax planning.

Secfi also offers liquidity solutions if you already own pre-IPO shares and want to convert some of that equity to cash. Their services are designed specifically for tech employees and founders dealing with startup equity compensation.

3. Financely - Private Share Lending Specialist

Financely works with shareholders who need cash but want to keep their private company stock. You can borrow money using your unlisted shares as collateral without selling them.

This lender focuses on private equity loans for business owners and executives. They look at your company's performance and potential future value when deciding how much to lend you.

You keep ownership of your shares during the loan period. This means you still have rights to dividends and any growth in value. If your company goes public or gets bought later, you benefit from that upside.

Financely structures loans based on your specific situation. They consider factors like how much of the company you own and whether an IPO or sale might happen soon.

The process lets you access cash quickly compared to waiting years for a company exit. You can use the money for personal needs or new investments while your equity stays in place.

This type of lending works best if you have a significant stake in a private company with strong financials. The loan gives you liquidity today without giving up your position.

How Loans Against Private Company Equity Work

These loans let you borrow money using your private company shares as collateral without selling them. Lenders evaluate your company's financial health and your ownership stake to determine loan terms and amounts.

Eligibility Requirements

You need to own shares in a private company with stable financials and clear growth potential. Most lenders focus on companies that show consistent revenue, strong management teams, and realistic paths to liquidity events like IPOs or acquisitions.

Your ownership stake matters significantly. Lenders typically require you to hold a meaningful percentage of the company's equity. Executive positions and board seats can strengthen your application since they demonstrate commitment and insider knowledge.

Common eligibility factors include:

• Minimum company valuation thresholds (often $10 million or higher)
• Your personal net worth and credit history
• Company age and financial track record
• Industry sector and market conditions
• Pending or planned exit events

Some lenders specialize in pre-IPO companies while others work with established private businesses. You'll need to provide detailed financial statements, cap tables, and ownership documentation.

Collateral Valuation Methods

Lenders use multiple approaches to value your private shares since no public market exists. The most common method involves analyzing your company's most recent funding round or third-party valuations.

Financial metrics drive the assessment. Lenders review revenue multiples, EBITDA, growth rates, and comparable company valuations in your industry. They typically apply discounts to account for illiquidity and market volatility.

Key valuation inputs:

• Recent funding round prices
• Independent 409A valuations
• Discounted cash flow analyses
• Industry-specific multiples
• Asset-based valuations

The loan-to-value ratio usually ranges from 30% to 60% of your shares' assessed worth. This conservative approach protects lenders if your company's value drops.

Risks and Considerations

Tax implications can surprise borrowers. If your lender forgives part of your loan, the IRS may treat that forgiven amount as taxable income even if your shares lost value.

You risk losing your equity if you default on the loan. Lenders can seize and sell your shares, though finding buyers for private stock proves challenging. Some loans include personal guarantees that put other assets at risk.

Additional risks to evaluate:

• Margin calls: Your lender may demand additional collateral if your company's value decreases
• Restrictive covenants: Loan agreements might limit your ability to sell or transfer shares
• Interest rates: Private equity loans typically carry higher rates than traditional secured loans
• Liquidity constraints: You may struggle to refinance if your company faces setbacks

Company shareholders agreements sometimes restrict using shares as collateral. You need written approval from co-founders or boards before pledging your equity.

Legal and Tax Implications of Using Private Shares as Collateral

When you pledge private company shares as collateral, you maintain ownership but enter into a legal arrangement that carries specific regulatory requirements and tax considerations. The transaction itself typically doesn't trigger immediate taxes, but you need to understand both the compliance framework and potential future tax events.

Regulatory Compliance Factors

You must review your company's shareholder agreement and bylaws before pledging shares. Many private companies include restrictions on share transfers or pledging rights that could block the loan entirely.

Your company may require board approval or have right-of-first-refusal clauses that affect your ability to use shares as collateral. Some agreements specifically prohibit pledging without written consent from other shareholders or the board.

Key compliance requirements include:

• Review of transfer restrictions in shareholder agreements
• Verification that shares are not already encumbered
• Proper UCC filing by the lender to perfect their security interest
• Notification requirements to the company secretary or board

Lenders will conduct their own due diligence on the company's legal structure and your rights as a shareholder. They need to confirm the shares can legally serve as collateral and that they have proper recourse if you default.

Potential Tax Consequences

Pledging your shares as collateral does not create a taxable event because you retain ownership. You don't trigger capital gains taxes at the time you establish the loan.

Tax issues arise only if you sell the shares later to repay the loan or if the lender seizes them due to default. Any appreciation in share value from your original purchase price becomes subject to capital gains tax at that point.

The interest you pay on the loan is generally not tax-deductible unless you use the borrowed funds for investment purposes that qualify under IRS rules. Personal use of loan proceeds doesn't create deductible interest.

Important tax considerations:

• No immediate capital gains when pledging shares
• Future sale triggers tax on appreciated value
• Interest deductibility depends on fund usage
• State-level tax rules may vary

You should consult with a tax advisor before structuring these loans. Your specific situation, including the loan amount and how you use the funds, determines your actual tax liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Private company stock loans involve unique eligibility requirements, specialized lenders, complex valuation processes, and specific cost structures that differ from public securities lending. These arrangements also carry distinct risks around collateral maintenance and tax treatment that borrowers need to understand before pledging unlisted shares.

Can you borrow against private company stock, and what determines whether it is eligible?

You can borrow against private company stock, but not all shares qualify. Lenders evaluate whether your shares have restrictions on transfer, the company's financial health, and the likelihood of a future liquidity event like an IPO or acquisition.

Most lenders require the company to have strong revenue, a clear path to exit, and shares that can be legally pledged. Pre-IPO companies backed by venture capital often meet these criteria. Early-stage startups with no revenue or highly restricted shares typically do not qualify.

Your ownership percentage matters too. Lenders prefer borrowers who hold significant but not controlling stakes, as controlling shares create additional legal complexity.

Which lenders offer loans secured by unlisted shares or private equity interests?

Bentley Capital operates bespoke private share lending desks that structure custom loans for high-net-worth individuals holding private equity. Harris Williams Capital Solutions provides founder and executive loans specifically designed for company insiders.

Forge Global Financing focuses on liquidity solutions for pre-IPO shareholders in venture-backed companies. First Citizens Fund Banking (formerly SVB) served the venture-backed equity loan market before its collapse in 2023, though some of its functions have been absorbed by other institutions.

Pacific Coast Alternatives offers private equity loan solutions across various unlisted asset classes. These specialized lenders understand the unique challenges of valuing and structuring loans against shares that lack public market pricing.

What documentation and valuation methods do lenders require for a loan against private shares?

Lenders require recent financial statements from the company, cap table documentation showing your ownership, and proof that your shares can be legally pledged. You need to provide shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and any transfer restrictions.

Valuation relies on recent funding rounds, third-party appraisals, or comparable company analysis. If your company raised capital in the past 12 months, lenders often use that price per share as a starting point. Without recent funding, lenders hire independent valuation firms.

You must also submit personal financial statements and tax returns. Lenders want to see your overall creditworthiness beyond just the collateral value.

What interest rates, loan-to-value ratios, and fees are typical for securities-backed lending on private stock?

Interest rates on private stock loans range from 6% to 12% annually, significantly higher than loans against publicly traded securities. The lack of liquidity and difficulty in selling private shares drives these elevated rates.

Loan-to-value ratios typically fall between 20% and 50% of the share valuation. Conservative lenders may offer only 20% to 30% LTV, while aggressive lenders might reach 50% for strong companies near an IPO. This compares to 50% to 70% LTV for public stock loans.

Upfront fees include origination charges of 1% to 3% of the loan amount, legal fees for structuring the pledge agreement, and valuation costs. Annual maintenance fees may also apply.

How do margin calls, collateral maintenance, and liquidity constraints work with private-share-backed loans?

Margin calls occur when your company's valuation drops, requiring you to post additional collateral or pay down the loan. Unlike public stocks with daily pricing, private company valuations happen quarterly or when new information emerges.

Lenders such as 3Spoke Capital, First Citizens Fund Banking (formerly SVB), and Financely (number 4 or 5 among providers) monitor your company through financial updates, funding announcements, and market conditions in your industry. If your company misses revenue targets or a planned IPO gets delayed, the lender may revalue your shares downward.

You face limited options to meet a margin call since you cannot quickly sell private shares. Most borrowers must use cash reserves or other liquid assets. Some loan agreements include lockup periods during which the lender cannot force immediate repayment.

What are the key risks and tax considerations when borrowing against company shares instead of selling?

The main risk is a margin call you cannot meet, potentially forcing you to default or sell shares at an unfavorable time. If your company fails or its value drops significantly, you still owe the full loan amount.

You retain ownership and future upside, but the lender holds your shares as collateral. If you default, the lender can seize and sell your shares, though finding buyers for private stock takes time and may require company approval.

Borrowing generates no immediate taxable event, unlike selling shares which triggers capital gains tax. You avoid tax on appreciation until you eventually sell. However, if you use loan proceeds to invest and earn income, that income is taxable.

Interest on the loan may be tax deductible if you use the funds for investment purposes, but personal use of proceeds generally makes interest non deductible. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation before structuring a private stock loan.