Updated:
Forge Global
Forge Global was founded in 2014 by Kelly Rodriques, who previously led SecondMarket's private securities division.
Forge Global
Forge Global was founded in 2014 by Kelly Rodriques, who previously led SecondMarket's private securities division. The firm emerged from the intersection of regulatory changes and growing demand for liquidity in private company shares, positioning itself as a central clearinghouse for secondary transactions. Forge Global raised venture capital from investors including Sunley House Capital, Gemini Investors, and others. Forge Global operates across multiple asset classes including private equity, growth equity, and venture capital. The firm's platform facilitates transactions in shares of companies like SpaceX, Palantir, and Robinhood, among hundreds of others. Geographically, Forge Global serves clients in North America, Europe, and Asia, with additional offices in Paris, New York, Cambridge (MA), and Menlo Park. The firm employs approximately 300 professionals, with capabilities spanning trading, research, and technology development. Forge Global maintains its regulated broker-dealer status through FINRA. In February 2024, the firm launched Forge Pro, a data analytics platform that provides pricing and liquidity insights for private companies (per the firm, February 2024). Forge Global also operates a separate entity, Forge Trust, which provides custodial services for private securities. Forge Global's structural differentiator is its combination of a centralized marketplace, data analytics, and custody services — a vertically integrated model that reduces friction in private-company secondary transactions. Unlike traditional broker-dealers or VC secondaries funds, Forge Global offers a transparent, exchange-like mechanism for price discovery, while also providing research and index products tracking private company performance.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2014
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
San Francisco
Corporate office
San Francisco, CA, United States
Additional offices
Paris, France · New York, NY · Cambridge, MA · Menlo Park, CA
Principals
Kelly Rodriques
Chief Executive Officer
Philip D'Arco
Chief Financial Officer
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who makes investment decisions at Forge Global?
Forge Global is led by CEO Kelly Rodriques, who previously ran SecondMarket's private securities division. Day-to-day trading and platform operations are managed by a team of professionals across trading, research, and technology, with oversight from the firm's board. The firm is investor-owned, with venture capital backing from Sunley House Capital and Gemini Investors.
Does Forge Global operate as a single family office or a venture firm?
Forge Global is neither a family office nor a venture firm. It is a financial technology company and FINRA-registered broker-dealer that operates a secondary market for private company shares. Its business model is transactional and platform-based, not asset management.
What types of assets does Forge Global facilitate?
Forge Global handles private equity, growth equity, and venture capital shares, primarily in late-stage technology companies. The platform supports both institutional and accredited investors, as well as employees seeking liquidity. It does not manage assets directly but acts as a marketplace intermediary.
How does Forge Global source its deal flow?
Forge Global sources private-company shares through its proprietary platform, which aggregates listings from institutional investors, venture funds, and individual shareholders. The firm also works directly with companies to facilitate structured liquidity programs for employees. This multi-channel sourcing differentiates it from traditional broker-dealers.
What geographic regions does Forge Global cover?
Forge Global has a global footprint with offices in San Francisco, New York, Cambridge (MA), Menlo Park, and Paris. It serves clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. The firm's platform operates 24/7 to accommodate international time zones.
Is Forge Global publicly traded or privately held?
Forge Global is privately held, backed by venture capital investors including Sunley House Capital and Gemini Investors. The firm itself issues shares that trade on its own platform, creating a unique alignment of interests with its user base.
How is Forge Global related to other private-market platforms?
Forge Global is distinct from earlier platforms like SecondMarket (which it absorbed and rebranded from) and competes with firms like Nasdaq Private Market and CartaX. It does not have a direct relation to any family office or investment firm; it operates as an independent broker-dealer and technology company.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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