Pre‐ <scp>IPO</scp> Tokens: Trading in the Dark

ABSTRACT Pre‐IPO tokens offer a new way for individual investors to access the private equity markets. However, without access to the private firm or to regulated public disclosures, token traders operate under extreme information asymmetry. This paper examines the behavior of the pre‐IPO token market around private funding events, such as venture capital rounds, which often offer a rare glimpse into the private firm. We find that investor attention spikes around funding announcements, and token prices decline—particularly when valuation information is disclosed and pre‐event token prices are loftier. These findings suggest that information released around funding events tempers speculative fervor in a market that otherwise trades in the dark. This study may interest accountants and auditors evaluating tokenized securities and their underlying assets. It also contributes to the discussion on expanding individual investors' access to the private markets while ensuring appropriate safeguards. JEL Classification: G1, G4