Morgan Stanley has announced its acquisition of EquityZen to enhance its private markets ecosystem and offer improved services and liquidity options to private companies and investors.

Target Information

Morgan Stanley has recently announced its agreement to acquire EquityZen, a prominent private shares platform, on October 29, 2025. EquityZen is recognized for its innovative approach to private equity investing, enabling easier access for investors to private company shares. This acquisition allows Morgan Stanley to integrate EquityZen's unique capabilities into its existing suite of offerings, enhancing its services for both private companies and their shareholders.

The incorporation of EquityZen into Morgan Stanley's operations will help facilitate a comprehensive set of services, including cap table management, liquidity solutions, direct investment opportunities, and secondary trading options. This synergistic relationship will leverage EquityZen’s issuer-aligned model, aiming to deepen Morgan Stanley’s engagement with private companies and broaden the financial solutions available to its clients.

Industry Overview

The private equity market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with increasing numbers of companies seeking flexible funding solutions beyond traditional public markets. In the United States, the private equity indust