Polymarket partners with Nasdaq Private Market to launch prediction markets for private companies
The prediction market operator has entered an agreement with Nasdaq Private Market to serve as the resolution data provider, aiming to create a new price discovery tool for institutional investors amid a rise in high-valued unlisted startups.
Polymarket has launched prediction markets linked to the performance of private companies, marking what the company describes as a first for the sector. The new offering is facilitated through an agreement with Nasdaq Private Market, which will serve as the official resolution data provider for the markets.
Users can now trade on outcomes related to private company milestones, including valuations, initial public offering timings, and secondary market activity. Polymarket stated that the new events are designed to provide an additional price discovery tool for institutional investors, capitalising on growing interest in unlisted assets.
The launch coincides with a broader industry trend of companies staying private for longer periods. Several startups have reached valuations comparable to constituents of the S&P 500, drawing increased attention from investors seeking exposure to private markets.
According to Polymarket, nearly 1,600 global 'unicorns'—startups valued at more than $1 billion—now account for over $5 trillion in cumulative value. The company noted that prediction markets have gained popularity as users increasingly trade on the outcomes of events ranging from elections to cryptocurrencies.
The introduction of these markets represents a significant expansion for Polymarket, which has traditionally focused on political and cultural events. By integrating with Nasdaq Private Market, the platform aims to bring greater transparency and liquidity to the pricing of private company performance indicators.
