PrivateAuto
PrivateAuto is a US-based transactional marketplace enabling private-party used vehicle sales with integrated banking (PrivateAuto Pay), identity verification, e-signatures, and a DealNow sub-brand for dealer transactions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersAlpine, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What PrivateAuto does
PrivateAuto operates a US-based end-to-end transactional marketplace that enables private-party used vehicle sales to be completed safely without dealership intermediation. The platform combines listing, identity verification via facial recognition, secure in-app messaging, state-specific electronic bill of sale generation, and an integrated banking solution (PrivateAuto Pay) delivered through a partnership with Plaid and USAlliance Federal Credit Union that enables FDIC-insured instant transfers up to $1 million between verified users on a 24/7/365 basis. A companion sub-brand, DealNow, provides a fast-track transaction flow for users who already have a counterparty, including a dealer-facing channel.
The technology stack layers third-party infrastructure — Plaid for bank connectivity and ID verification, Prove for phone-based authentication, Twilio for SMS, AutoCheck and VINdata for vehicle history and valuation, LemonSquad for inspections, and RunBuggy for transport — over a proprietary mobile and web application available on iOS, Android, and the web. The company has obtained SOC 2 Type 2 certification and operates a public Trust Center to validate security claims.
PrivateAuto generates revenue through a transaction-based model with no subscriptions. Sellers pay a one-time $29 listing fee and, only upon a successful sale, a $150 closing fee (optionally split $75/$75 between buyer and seller). Buyers access the platform for free. The company was founded in 2020, is headquartered in Alpine, Utah, employs 11–50 people, and reports being used by thousands of private buyers and sellers nationwide. The company is privately held by Private Auto, Inc. (a Utah corporation), with one disclosed funding event (Convoi Ventures, September 2022). No revenue, GMV, or transaction volume figures are publicly disclosed.
PrivateAuto firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PrivateAuto
- Legal name
- Private Auto, Inc.
- Website
- https://privateauto.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- PrivateAuto is a US-based transactional marketplace enabling private-party used vehicle sales with integrated banking (PrivateAuto Pay), identity verification, e-signatures, and a DealNow sub-brand for dealer transactions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PrivateAuto industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Online Used Vehicle Marketplace
- NAICS
- Used Car Dealers (44112)
- SIC
- Retail-Nonstore Retailers (5960)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Private/Closed Membership Generalist Marketplaces (CRAFAAAG)
Keywords
Where PrivateAuto is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alpine
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
PrivateAuto business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Seller Listing Fees: One-time listing fee of $29 charged to sellers when they list a vehicle for sale. Includes unlimited photos, identity verification, printable window brochure, and in-app offer management.
- Transaction/Closing Fees: $150 closing fee per deal charged only when a vehicle sale is completed. Fee can be split between buyer and seller at $75 each. Includes secure bank transfer, digital bill of sale, verified funds protection, and title transfer guidance.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Seller Listing |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Transaction Closing |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Buyer Access |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
PrivateAuto product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PrivateAuto operates an end-to-end online marketplace that enables individuals to safely buy and sell used vehicles directly, bypassing dealerships. The platform combines vehicle listings, identity verification via facial recognition, secure in-app communication, state-specific digital bill of sale with e-signatures, and PrivateAuto Pay, an integrated banking solution that processes instant fund transfers up to $1 million 24/7/365.
Product overview
PrivateAuto is a single unified transactional marketplace platform for private-party used vehicle sales. The core product combines listing/marketplace functionality with integrated transaction tools including PrivateAuto Pay (FDIC-insured instant payment processing up to $1M), digital bill of sale generation, identity verification via facial recognition, and secure in-app messaging. A companion sub-brand, DealNow, provides a fast-track transaction option for users who have already found a buyer/seller. Additional modules include vehicle history reports (AutoCheck), market value reports (VINdata), a printable window brochure with QR code, test drive scheduling, and offer management. The platform is accessible via web and native mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PrivateAuto End-to-end transactional marketplace enabling private buyers and sellers to safely buy and sell used vehicles. Features include verified identities, secure messaging, digital paperwork, and integrated payment processing.
- PrivateAuto Pay FDIC-insured integrated banking solution enabling instant fund transfers up to $1 million between verified users 24/7. Provides escrow-like safeguards without holding funds in escrow, allowing secure payments for high-value vehicle transactions.
- DealNow Fast-track transaction solution for users who have already found a buyer or seller outside the platform. Bypasses the listing process and allows users to invite counterparties to a secure deal room with identity verification, messaging, and payment infrastructure.
- PrivateAuto Mobile App Native mobile application for iOS and Android enabling users to manage vehicle listings, communicate with buyers/sellers, e-sign documents, and process payments on mobile devices.
Quantifiable outcome
- Get more money for your car vs. trade-in value
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use PrivateAuto
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
PrivateAuto technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration14 records
AI capability7 records
Feature6 records
PrivateAuto partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Plaid Inc.coreUsed to process data from users' financial institutions for PrivateAuto Pay functionality. Grants PrivateAuto and Plaid the right to access and transmit personal and financial data from users' financial institutions to enable secure payment processing.
- USAlliance Federal Credit UnioncoreProvides account processing services for PrivateAuto Pay. Users can open accounts with USAlliance Federal Credit Union through the platform. Privacy policy governed by USAlliance's terms.
- VINdatasupportingProvides vehicle values, VIN information, and vehicle history reports for vintage vehicles.
- AutoChecksupportingProvides vehicle history reports for users, included with premium listings, showing maintenance records, accidents, title liens, and more.
- LemonSquadsupportingProvides used car inspection services for vehicles listed on the platform.
- RunBuggysupportingProvides car shipping and transport services for remote vehicle purchases.
- TwiliosupportingUsed in conjunction with Plaid for verifying phone numbers during user registration.
- ProvesupportingProvides identity verification services via wireless carrier for user authentication.
- HotjarsupportingProvides visual behavior insights and in-the-moment feedback for product development and UX improvement.
- ActiveCampaignsupportingEmail service provider for email campaigns and account notifications.
- Google AnalyticssupportingUsed for general site traffic management and analytics.
- Plaid IDVsupportingProvides driver license verification services for identity confirmation.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
PrivateAuto competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Strengths4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PrivateAuto social profiles
Digital presencePrivateAuto compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
PrivateAuto financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PrivateAuto leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
PrivateAuto funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PrivateAuto M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PrivateAuto
What does PrivateAuto do?
PrivateAuto operates an end-to-end online marketplace that enables individuals to safely buy and sell used vehicles directly, bypassing dealerships. The platform combines vehicle listings, identity verification via facial recognition, secure in-app communication, state-specific digital bill of sale with e-signatures, and PrivateAuto Pay, an integrated banking solution that processes instant fund transfers up to $1 million 24/7/365.
Is PrivateAuto a public or private company?
PrivateAuto is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was PrivateAuto founded?
PrivateAuto was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is PrivateAuto based?
PrivateAuto is headquartered in Alpine, United States, in the North America region.
How does PrivateAuto make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Seller Listing Fees are the primary driver. The others are transaction/Closing Fees.
Does PrivateAuto have an API?
No public API is recorded for PrivateAuto.
What industry is PrivateAuto in?
PrivateAuto's product category is Online Used Vehicle Marketplace. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAFAAAG, Private/Closed Membership Generalist Marketplaces. Its NAICS code is 44112 and its SIC code is 5960.