Press Release

Forge Appoints Head of Data to Expand Accuracy and Transparency for Private Market Companies and Investors

Former Intercontinental Exchange Head of Tech, Edge Systems, Vidya Eashwer, brings extensive fintech and data experience to the private markets

SAN FRANCISCO- Forge Global, Inc. (“Forge”), the leading global private securities marketplace, announced that Vidya Eashwer, former Head of Technology, Edge Systems, at Intercontinental Exchange, has been appointed as the company’s first Head of Data.

“We’re extremely excited to have Vidya on board to lead a critical part of our business. In the private markets, data will determine who wins, and how the industry evolves to best serve companies and investors,” said Forge CEO Kelly Rodriques. “As Forge continues to revolutionize the private markets, Eashwer’s deep knowledge of the space will be essential in ensuring that we are empowering investors and fast-growing companies to make the most informed decisions.”

Eashwer brings extensive expertise in data, technology and finance, having previously held leadership roles at Intercontinental Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. In these positions, Eashwer was responsible for managing international teams, developing strategic solutions and data analysis, and leading global initiatives to meet and exceed critical business goals.

“Forge has an unprecedented depth of private market data and has become a critical resource for the growing number of companies staying private longer and the investors interested in them,” said Vidya Eashwer. “I look forward to joining the team and continuing to innovate our offerings, bringing to market solutions that will benefit all parties involved in the private market economy.”

The addition of this role to the leadership team comes off the back of a momentous year, in which Forge completed a merger with SharesPost and announced it completed more than 3,394 transactions in 2020, reached over $9 billion in transaction volume since inception, and currently has over 370 total issuers across both platforms. For more information, see Forge’s website.

About Forge

As private market innovators, Forge serves the complex and emerging needs of the private market ecosystem by forging new connections through our technology, data and expertise. Founded in 2014, the firm empowers investors and shareholders by enabling liquidity in the private markets. Forge was founded by Y Combinator alumni and backed by top Silicon Valley investors and large, global institutions including Peter Thiel, FT Partners, Draper Associates, Munich Re, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Börse. Securities related services are offered through Forge Market, LLC (“Forge Markets”) and SharesPost Financial Corporation (“SPFC”), each of which is a member of FINRA/SIPC and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Forge Global, Inc. Transactional information includes trades conducted through SPFC, Forge Markets, and Emerson Equity, LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC and a broker dealer for SharesPost, Inc.) in 2011.