What does tZERO do?

What exactly is the purpose and function of tZERO? I've heard it's a blockchain-based platform that caters to the world of finance and investments, but I'm not entirely clear on how it operates and what services it provides. Could you elaborate on tZERO's mission, its primary offerings, and how it leverages blockchain technology to bring about innovation in the financial industry? Additionally, how does it compare to other similar platforms or solutions currently available in the market?