Sellers declare. Buyers are waiting. You close.
Shares in private startups are illiquid because sellers and buyers rarely meet. On Uback, founders, early investors and departing co-founders declare confidentially that they would sell, and Backers declare which companies they want in. When both exist on the same company, Uback assigns the file to one Secondary Sales Desk.
Your role
You receive a company, not a country: the selling declaration, the pool of Backers on that company and its segment, and Uback's estimated valuation range as a starting point. You check what the shareholders' agreement allows (pre-emption, approval, tag-along), approach the shareholders and the buyers, and run the sale under your own mandate.
Exclusive company by company
There is no exclusivity by country or sector: several Secondary Sales Desks can be active in the same market. But once Uback assigns a company to you, you are the only broker on it, for the duration of the file. Assignment is Uback's decision, based on your sector, your track record and your responsiveness. If the company also has a round in preparation, its Fundraising Desk handles the round; you handle the block, and you coordinate.
Deal flow, from three directions
- Sell-side declarations. Founders, early investors and funds nearing the end of their life declare, confidentially, that they would sell. See Sell your shares.
- Buy-side pools. Backers, corporates included, declare which companies they want to buy into. A block finds its buyers before you make a call.
- The Uback Partner title. Your profile reads "Uback Secondary Sales Partner", and shareholders looking for a way out find you.
What changes for you
Both sides at once. Most secondary mandates start with one side. Here you start with a seller and buyers on the same name.
A reference price. Each company on Uback has an estimated valuation range, with its comparables. It is no valuation and no advice, but it gives everyone a shared starting point.
Corporates as buyers. Industrial groups declare intentions on named companies. A block is often how a strategic investor gets its first stake.
New names when a company says no. If a company blocks a sale, Uback invites its Backers to move to a competitor. Each refusal opens another file.
Illustrative example
An early business angel in a logistics startup declares he would sell half his stake. Eleven Backers, including one industrial group, have intentions on the company. Uback assigns the file to you. You check the pre-emption clause, present the block to the buyers, and close the sale in nine weeks.
What we ask in return
No fee at this stage. That you present yourself as "Uback Secondary Sales Partner" on your professional profiles. You keep your own fees.
Uback brings investors and visibility, not a guaranteed deal flow. We would rather say so upfront.
What we look for
A licence or registration allowing you to advise on and arrange transactions in your country. Experience with minority and secondary transactions in private companies. Working English, and the habit of answering fast.
Also raising capital? See the Fundraising Desk. A firm can hold both roles.