When Shriram Bhashyam helped found EquityZen, he knew his background as a securities lawyer would come in handy—often.

The New York-based financial technology company gives a platform to employees of pre-IPO companies so they can sell equity to accredited investors. Well-known private companies like Spotify and Lyft have sold shares of their business through EquityZen, according to the company's website.

As Bhashyam, EquityZen's general counsel puts it, the company is “like a private market Nasdaq” where people are listing their shares available for sale and others are browsing opportunities for investments.