A Global VC firm led by entrepreneurs turned investors

Venture Forward has built companies from the ground up with successful exits and invested as angels across numerous asset classes. We support serially successful founders in Applied AI.

Fund Focus

We've been where you are.

Vertical AI is where the biggest opportunities live—purpose-built solutions that transform entire industries. We back founders who see these opportunities and have the domain expertise to execute.

Built by Founders, For Founders

We understand the journey because we've walked it ourselves.

Access When Others Can't

Our network becomes your network, opening doors that matter.

Operators Beyond Capital

We roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to build and scale.

Leadership

From AI-powered logistics to vertical SaaS solutions, our portfolio founders are building the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Michael Schatzman

Founder & Managing Partner
A super connector & serially exited entrepreneur with 25 years of experience.

Ohad Tzur

Managing Partner
A GTM-obsessed founder turned investor with 18 years of SaaS & AI experience.

Pankaj Kedia

AI Expert & Partner
AI thought-leader and investor with 11 exits. AI Officer, CXO, and globally recognized keynote speaker.

And we are rooted in networks that matter.

Google Alumni

MIT Startup Community

VNTR

NuFund.com

3i

Coolwater Capital

Founder Institute

TechStars

Startup for Startups

Google Alumni

MIT Startup Community

VNTR

NuFund.com

3i

Coolwater Capital

Founder Institute

TechStars

Startup for Startups

Google Alumni

MIT Startup Community

VNTR

NuFund.com

3i

Coolwater Capital

Founder Institute

TechStars

Startup for Startups

Founders choose us because we operate, not just invest.

“Since partnering with Venture Forward, our team has developed a strong appreciation for the significant role the right investor plays in the overall success of a new venture. In the months preceding their investment, New Leaf spent the necessary time to gain a deep understanding of our niche products and unconventional business structure. This group has proven to be more than simply a stakeholder; they have become a vital strategic partner, and key component, in our long-term strategy.”
Subhashish Dutta
Founder & CEO, Sypher
“The Venture Forward team has been a breath of fresh air from the first meeting. They genuinely want to support companies over the long haul to make real change in needed industries. Their assessment was both analytical and intuitive, involving industry experts as well as an assessment of our culture and intentions. We truly appreciated that approach. I’m thankful to have the Venture Forward team as a partner in this journey — they truly are one text message away at any time.”
Hanes Singh, JD
Founder & CEO, Docvocate
“The team at Venture Forward was very thorough in their due diligence, which included domain experts who asked thoughtful questions, yet they were able to move quickly and efficiently. As investors, Venture Forward continues to ask thoughtful questions and is quick & responsive towards supporting our needs.”
Michael Klotsman, PhD
Founder & CEO, Okava Pharmaceuticals
“I am grateful that I get to work with the Venture Forward team. They have the ability to parse through the noise and develop intuitive conviction on quality ventures across diverse domains. The New Leaf team asks excellent questions and truly wants to make a positive impact on the world.”
Miranda Wang
Co-Founder & CEO, Novoloop
"Venture Forward helped us rebuild our financial systems from the ground up and gave us the clarity to plan our next raise with confidence. It's rare to find a partner who truly understands the startup mindset - they do."
Sam Alexander
Founder, FoodHealth Company
“I am grateful that I get to work with the Venture Forward team. They have the ability to parse through the noise and develop intuitive conviction on quality ventures across diverse domains. The New Leaf team asks excellent questions and truly wants to make a positive impact on the world.”
Brad Chisum
Co-founder & CEO, EyePop.ai
"Managing Partner Mike Schatzman identified the right strategic buyer and played a hands-on role in securing and executing the LOI for our acquisition. Mike was absolutely critical in facilitating the entire process."
Brandon Miller
Founder, Uplevel Digital

Ready to venture forward?

Whether you're a founder building the next vertical AI breakthrough or an investor seeking meaningful opportunities, we want to connect.