EquityZen acquisition gives Morgan Stanley new gateway to pre-IPO investments

Morgan Stanley acquired private-market platform EquityZen to broaden client access to late-stage startup equity. The transaction integrates EquityZen’s secondary trading tools with the bank’s wealth-management ecosystem, improving liquidity for founders and accredited investors. Executives highlighted expanding investor appetite for pre-listing exposure amid limited IPO supply. Analysts said the combination enhances Morgan Stanley’s competitiveness in alternative-asset distribution while diversifying revenue streams. The deal underscores institutional efforts to merge traditional finance with fintech models supporting capital access for emerging growth companies.