As general-purpose AI dominates headlines, a quieter yet more commercially viable trend is emerging: Vertical AI — domain-specific, capital-efficient, and increasingly indispensable across industries. This report explains why vertical and agentic AI represent the next wave of investable AI infrastructure, with market data, company archetypes, and investment rationale. For VCs looking to deploy capital beyond foundation models, this is where traction meets defensibility.

Award-winning Early-Stage Investor with deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence joins US-based venture firm

May 2025 — Venture Forward Capital (VFC) is proud to announce the official launch of Function, a co-founded financial services firm designed to deliver embedded CFO services, bookkeeping, and tax strategy to high-growth startups. Originally incubated within VFC, Function now launches as a standalone company—built to provide the kind of hands-on financial leadership every founder needs to scale.

CHICAGO, IL – June 11, 2025 – Mike Schatzman, a prominent figure in venture capital and principal at Venture Forward Capital, and Ohad Tzur are excited to be Top Performers graduating in the top 4% of VC Lab Cohort 17 by exceeding the prestigious PACT (Portfolio Assessment and Capital Tracking) threshold. Both are also thrilled to be selected for Cohort 17 Recognition Awards to celebrate their achievements throughout the program.

Portfolio companies get access to Fortune 500-level benefits and comprehensive HR support at preferred pricing

In today's uncertain economic landscape, understanding market dynamics is crucial for investors. Rising recession odds, tariff uncertainties, and changing consumer behaviors are reshaping the financial world. But within this volatility lies strategic opportunity for those who know where to look.

USA/Singapore, May 20, 2025 - Venture Forward Capital (VFC) is excited to welcome Sharesz T. Wilkinson, internationally acclaimed leadership resilience expert and Founder and CEO of Resilient Power, as Global Venture Partner and Board Advisor.

Markets continue to hit all-time highs—even as deficits surge, tariffs return, and cracks begin to show in consumer credit.

Venture Forward Capital welcomes Josh Booty as Partner and Head of Business Development, bringing his unique blend of sports, business, and venture capital expertise to the team.

Lauren Murphy, a seasoned finance professional, brings a unique blend of corporate and investment banking, and cutting-edge technology to her role at Venture Forward Capital. Her career journey has been marked by a deep commitment to identifying and supporting high-growth companies.

Venture capital is slowly rebounding in 2025, fueled by AI investments and clearer policies, but late-stage funding remains tight. An oversupply of smaller funds and sector-focused strategies may require a shakeout for stability.

Laura Simione brings nearly two decades of investment industry expertise to her role as Partner and Head of Investor Relations at Venture Forward Capital. Her background in building strong investment relationships and capital formation will help drive the firm's next phase of growth.

Operational environments are evolving. They are becoming faster, more distributed, and increasingly data driven. These shifts are exposing the limitations of centralized cloud infrastructure, where delays and connectivity issues can disrupt performance. To achieve real time responsiveness, intelligence is being deployed at the edge, enabling systems to process and respond to data locally at the point of origin.

Julie Bevacqua, a seasoned growth leader, brings a unique blend of corporate and investment expertise to her role at Venture Forward Capital. Her career trajectory demonstrates a proven ability to identify, scale, and accelerate high-potential companies across multiple sectors.