SpaceX offers a clear example. After the company went public on Friday at 9:30 AM, under the ticker SPCX, more than 4,000 current and former employees were expected to become millionaires. Because they invested in SpaceX pre-IPO earlier.  This early access remains out of reach for 99% retail investors. Private deals often go first to institutions, venture funds, employees, and wealthy investors who can afford six-figure commitments.