5 ms·

Ask HN: How would an individual investor buy Facebook shares?

2 points by AlexC04 16y ago

So I've just had a bit of an epiphany or flash of understanding with respect to why Facebook is worth the current $75M and IMO could be worth significantly more. I see the posts that say that they are trading somehow, but everything I've seen requires a trade of 10,000 shares (at $30 each). I can' afford that, but I'd happily bet my current available life savings of a few thousand dollars. How does an individual investor make that purchase? Or do I really have to be in a position to put $300k into Facebook if I want to be able to hop on for the ride?

danvoell 16y ago
http://www.secondmarket.com http://www.secondmarket.com
- AlexC04 16y ago
  Sadly, it seems to use their interface you've got to be Accredited. (I've logged in and tried) So I can't actually buy stock in their system. It's not quite as easy as popping on and plunking in a credit card number. Not that shares are like that in real markets either, but it's actually a little more manageable. Apart from a link to the service, Shares Post being another one (http://www.sharespost.com/companies/facebook http://www.sharespost.com/companies/facebook). I've also popped on to SharesPost but it's also 'pending approval' How does a layman go about buying "what he can afford" in terms of Facebook shares?
  - nerd_in_rage 16y ago
    you just have to lie and say you're accredited.
    - AlexC04 16y ago
      Hmm... and when they check your credentials? I'm not sure it's as easy as getting around the age-verification on porn sites (are you 18? yes / no) Maybe there are investment conglomerates out there - or group buy in / mutual clubs where I can put in a share of the money towards the actual facebook purchase.
      - nerd_in_rage 16y ago
        well, try it and find out.
deleted 16y ago
[deleted]
frankydp 16y ago
US citizens are not elidgable. Offering was not FTC sanctioned.
AlexC04 16y ago
FYI - I just got an email back from Shares Post. | Unfortunately all investors must be accredited investors | as defined by the SEC in order to participate. | Thanks, | Team SharesPost | On Mon, Mar 7, 2011 at 11:09 AM, SharesPost <no-reply@sharespost.com> wrote: And apparently the SEC definition is here: http://www.sec.gov/answers/accred.htm http://www.sec.gov/answers/accred.htm