tZERO Group, Inc., a blockchain-powered multi-asset infrastructure firm, announced the launch of its private marketplace for the secondary trading of illiquid Web3 assets, including locked tokens, private equity in crypto-native companies, Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs), and Simple Agreements for Future Tokens (SAFTs). The platform operates in a compliant, U.S.-based environment designed to improve execution certainty and accelerate deal timelines for institutional participants.
The marketplace, built for venture capital firms, digital asset funds, and qualified institutional participants, introduces structured secondary liquidity to an asset class that has historically relied on fragmented bilateral transactions. tZERO operates an SEC- and FINRA-regulated broker-dealer, including a special purpose broker-dealer (SPBD) for secure on-chain custody of digital assets.
Participants can choose between two execution pathways: traditional OTC brokerage and a differentiated blind auction model. Under the auction model, investors submit private Indications of Interest (IOIs) specifying price and quantity, while sellers define auction terms including duration and reserve price. Allocations are made using a price-time priority methodology, and participants may elect all-or-none parameters to avoid partial fills. These mechanisms provide flexibility while allowing sellers to aggregate market demand within a defined timeframe.
“Our initial focus with this asset class is on secondary liquidity and launching a fully regulated, licensed private marketplace for the trading of private and traditionally illiquid Web3 assets,” said Alan Konevsky, CEO of tZERO. “The platform is purpose-built for institutional buyers and sellers and provides high-touch execution support alongside multiple price discovery options.”
Mike Diedrichs, Head of Sales at tZERO, added, “We're seeing strong demand from institutional investors and venture funds for structured liquidity in Web3 secondaries – a gap the market has simply not been able to fill in a regulated way. This launch positions tZERO as a leading venue for institutions that require transparency, compliance, and execution certainty as they navigate this rapidly expanding asset class.”
The launch represents a step toward expanding institutional infrastructure for digital private markets by introducing structured liquidity pathways for venture portfolios. tZERO Digital Asset Securities, LLC is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC, and tZERO Securities, LLC operates the tZERO Securities ATS. More information about these entities can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.
Forward-looking statements in the release involve risks and uncertainties, including the ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs, regulatory developments, and competition. tZERO and its subsidiaries are not obligated to update any forward-looking statements.
