Robinhood is breaking into private markets with a new fund offering everyday investors access to companies like Databricks and Oura. The fund began trading on the NYSE under ticker RVI, marking the trading platform's expansion beyond public stocks and crypto. CEO Vlad Tenev announced the launch on Bloomberg Open Interest.

This move targets retail investors who typically can't invest in private companies until they go public. Private market investments have historically been limited to institutional investors and accredited individuals, but Robinhood's platform could democratize access to pre-IPO opportunities. The fund structure allows fractional ownership of high-growth private companies.

The launch represents a strategic shift for Robinhood as it seeks new revenue streams beyond commission-free trading. By offering exposure to private companies, Robinhood positions itself as a comprehensive investing platform rather than just a stock trading app. The timing suggests confidence in private market valuations despite broader market volatility.