Nasdaq OMX and SharesPost unveiled a joint venture to establish a marketplace for private growth companies, enabling buying and selling of private company shares while also providing access to liquidity for early investors, founders and employees.

The new venture, called Nasdaq Private Market, will provide private companies additional flexibility as they plan for their future and give the investment community unique opportunities, said Nasdaq executive Bruce Aust. "By combining our resources, expertise and reach with SharesPost's established technology, we will bring scale, efficiency and transparency to this marketplace."