xAI is privately held, how can I invest in it?

xAI is a privately held company, so its stock isn’t available on public exchanges like the NYSE or Nasdaq. Investing in xAI directly is restricted to accredited investors—those with an annual income exceeding $200,000 ($300,000 jointly) or a net worth over $1 million, excluding their primary residence. However, there are indirect ways for both accredited and non-accredited investors to gain exposure to xAI through funds or secondary marketplaces. Below, I outline the options, including minimum investments and fees where available, based on current information.

Options for Investing in xAI

  1. Secondary Marketplaces (Accredited Investors Only)
    Platforms like Forge, Hiive, EquityZen, and Nasdaq Private Market allow accredited investors to buy pre-IPO shares from existing shareholders (e.g., employees or early investors). These transactions are subject to xAI’s approval and may involve rights of first refusal (ROFR).

    • Process: Register on the platform, verify accredited investor status, and browse available xAI share listings. Prices and availability vary based on seller offers.
    • Risks: Limited liquidity, high volatility, and lack of public financial disclosures make these investments speculative.
  2. Venture Capital Funds with xAI Holdings
    Certain funds hold xAI shares, offering exposure to both accredited and non-accredited investors. These funds invest in a portfolio of private companies, reducing risk compared to direct share purchases.

    • ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX): Holds xAI (1.37% of the portfolio as of August 2024) alongside other private tech companies like SpaceX and OpenAI. Open to both accredited and non-accredited investors.
    • Fundrise Innovation Fund: Does not currently list xAI but invests in similar AI-focused private companies (e.g., Anthropic, OpenAI). Accessible to all investors with a low entry point.
    • The Private Shares Fund: Invests in private tech companies, potentially including xAI, though specific holdings are not always disclosed. Offers different share classes with varying minimums.
  3. AI-Focused ETFs (Indirect Exposure)
    While ETFs don’t hold xAI directly, they invest in publicly traded AI companies, providing exposure to the broader AI sector. These are accessible to all investors through standard brokerage accounts.

    • Examples: iShares Exponential Technologies ETF (XT), Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ).
    • Relevance: xAI’s success is tied to the AI industry, so these ETFs offer a less direct but more liquid way to capitalize on AI growth.
  4. Investing in Related Public Companies
    Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), led by Elon Musk, may have strategic ties to xAI (e.g., rumored technology licensing). Investing in Tesla provides indirect exposure to Musk’s ecosystem, though it’s not a direct xAI investment.

Table of Investment Options

Option Investor Eligibility Minimum Investment Fees Notes
Forge Secondary Marketplace Accredited investors Varies (typically $10,000–$100,000 per deal) 1–5% transaction fee (buyer/seller, varies by platform) Shares subject to availability and xAI approval. High risk due to illiquidity. Contact Forge for current listings.
Hiive Secondary Marketplace Accredited investors Varies (e.g., $50,000–$250,000 based on share lots) ~1% transaction fee 31 live xAI orders as of March 2025. Sellers set prices.
EquityZen Accredited investors $10,000 (typical for private company deals) 3–5% transaction fee Offers access to xAI and similar pre-IPO companies. Requires verification.
Nasdaq Private Market Accredited investors Varies (often $100,000+) ~1% fee on trades Uses Tape D™ database for pricing. Streamlined transfer process.
ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX) All investors (accredited and non-accredited) $500 0.75% expense ratio (as of 2024) xAI is 1.37% of portfolio. Available via SoFi or Ark’s website.
Fundrise Innovation Fund All investors $10 1.85% annual fee (management + advisory) No confirmed xAI holdings but invests in AI startups. Highly accessible.
The Private Shares Fund All investors $2,500 (Class A/L); $1,000,000 (Institutional) 2.09% expense ratio (Class A, as of 2021) Potential xAI exposure. Non-diversified, higher risk.
iShares Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) All investors ~$50 (price per share, varies) 0.46% expense ratio Broad tech/AI exposure, no direct xAI holdings. Tradable via brokerages.
Global X AI & Technology ETF (AIQ) All investors ~$35 (price per share, varies) 0.68% expense ratio Focuses on AI companies, indirect exposure. Tradable via brokerages.
Tesla (TSLA) All investors ~$400 (price per share, as of June 2025) None (standard brokerage fees apply) Speculative exposure to xAI via Musk’s ecosystem. Publicly traded.

Additional Considerations

  • Valuation and Pricing: xAI’s valuation was $113 billion in June 2025, with secondary market share prices around $41 (March 2025) compared to $12 in May 2024. Forge reported a derived price of $39.69 per share as of June 18, 2025. These prices are illustrative and depend on market activity.
  • Liquidity and Risks: Private investments like xAI have limited liquidity, and there’s no guarantee of an IPO. Regulatory uncertainty in AI and competition from companies like OpenAI add risk.
  • How to Start:
    • For secondary marketplaces, create an account on Forge, Hiive, or EquityZen, verify accreditation, and contact their specialists for xAI share availability.
    • For funds, invest in ARK Venture Fund via SoFi or Ark’s website, or explore Fundrise’s Innovation Fund online. The Private Shares Fund requires contacting Liberty Street Advisors.
    • For ETFs or Tesla, use any brokerage (e.g., Fidelity, Schwab) to buy shares.
  • Fees Caveat: Exact fees for secondary marketplaces vary by transaction size and platform policies. Always confirm with the platform before investing. Funds like ARK and Fundrise may have additional redemption or performance fees not listed here.

Recommendations

  • Non-Accredited Investors: The ARK Venture Fund ($500 minimum) or Fundrise Innovation Fund ($10 minimum) are the most accessible ways to gain exposure to xAI or similar AI companies. ETFs like XT or AIQ are low-cost alternatives for broad AI exposure.
  • Accredited Investors: Explore Forge or Hiive for direct xAI shares, but be prepared for high minimums and fees. The Private Shares Fund is a diversified option if you prefer a managed portfolio.
  • General Advice: Consult a financial advisor to assess your risk tolerance. Private investments are high-risk, and xAI’s lack of public financials makes due diligence critical.

Info by Grok, this is not financial advice.

More from Grok:

The ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX) is a closed-end interval fund and is not traded on public stock exchanges like typical stocks or ETFs. Instead, it is available for purchase directly through specific platforms and brokerage accounts, primarily in the United States. Investors can access ARKVX through:

  • SoFi: U.S. self-directed investors can invest via the SoFi app with a minimum of $500, using standard brokerage accounts or Traditional/Roth IRAs.
  • Titan: Available to unaccredited investors on this members-only wealth platform.
  • Schwab, Fidelity, Pershing, Stifel, TradePMR, and Hilltop: Registered investment advisors, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional investors who clear or custody at these firms can access the fund.
  • Other distribution channels: Additional platforms may offer access, and investors can contact ARK at [email protected] for more information.

The fund’s shares are not listed on any securities exchange, and there is no secondary market for trading. Investors can only redeem shares quarterly through the fund’s repurchase policy, with up to 5% of outstanding shares redeemable per quarter.

Note that ARKVX is not currently available to international investors on the Titan platform, though ARK is exploring options for broader access.