Forerunner Ventures

Forerunner Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that focuses on the consumer economy, supporting founders who aim to meet evolving needs with funding, strategic guidance, and consumer insight. It backs early-stage companies, typically at seed or Series A, across sectors including consumer products, health and wellness, finance, commerce, entertainment, career and learning, security, productivity, and technology. The firm emphasizes brands that blend online and offline channels, e-commerce, internet marketplaces, and tools or services that enhance consumer experiences. It has backed notable consumer brands such as Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Hims & Hers, and tends to collaborate with local investors when the company is outside the Bay Area.

Jason Bornstein

Principal

Kirsten Green

Managing Partner

Fawzi Itani

Investor

Nicole Johnson

Partner

Eurie Kim

Managing Partner

Priyanka Suri

Investor

Past deals in Personal Accessories

A-Frame Brands

Series A in 2021
A-Frame Brands is a Los Angeles-based holding company that develops and manages a portfolio of sustainable, plant-based personal care brands. Founded in 2019, it partners with celebrities to launch mission-driven products such as soaps, foaming refills, hand sanitizers, and cleansing sprays sold online. The company also develops a brand-building platform aimed at addressing the everyday needs of underserved communities by creating solutions to problems that disproportionately affect certain groups, enabling brands to pursue social impact alongside growth.

Nécessaire

Venture Round in 2018
Nécessaire Inc. is a company based in Culver City, California, that specializes in the manufacture and sale of body and sexual care products. Founded in 2017, Nécessaire focuses on providing high-quality skincare solutions that prioritize clean, effective ingredients. Its product range includes body deodorants, lotions, serums, washes, exfoliators, treatment sets, and sex gels, all designed to promote skin health and personal wellness. The company emphasizes the importance of body care and believes that these products should be integral to personal grooming rather than an afterthought. By utilizing plant-based surfactants and avoiding harsh chemicals, Nécessaire is committed to formulating safe and natural body-care products, reinforcing the notion that self-care is an essential part of personal care. The company's offerings are primarily available for purchase online.

Away

Series C in 2018
Away is a modern travel brand offering high-quality, affordable luggage designed with thoughtful features to enhance travel experiences.

Away

Series B in 2017
Away is a modern travel brand offering high-quality, affordable luggage designed with thoughtful features to enhance travel experiences.

Hollar

Series B in 2016
Hollar is an online dollar store founded in 2015 and based in California, United States. The company operates an e-commerce platform that provides a diverse selection of consumer products, including toys, apparel, electronics, beauty items, household essentials, party supplies, and stationery. Hollar specializes in offering unique curated gift and party collections, allowing customers to purchase a variety of affordable products conveniently online. The company's focus on delivering inexpensive options makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a range of everyday items.

Away

Series A in 2016
Away is a modern travel brand offering high-quality, affordable luggage designed with thoughtful features to enhance travel experiences.

Dollar Shave Club

Series D in 2015
Dollar Shave Club is a lifestyle brand and e-commerce company that develops and sells grooming products for men. It uses an exclusive R&D process that includes botanicals and chemists to create its own products at affordable prices. Founded in 2012 and based in Santa Monica, California, the company offers razors, blades, shave butter, aftershave liquids, face washes, wipes, and gift cards, primarily through a subscription model that provides convenient access to products at reasonable prices.

Draper James

Series A in 2015
Draper James, LLC is a retail brand that specializes in designing and selling women's apparel and accessories, as well as home décor. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York, the company offers a diverse range of products, including dresses, skirts, tops, pants, outerwear, handbags, jewelry, and various home items such as blankets and stationery. The brand emphasizes personal style and sensibility, with its collections reflecting timeless grace and charm. Draper James operates primarily through online sales, aiming to provide women with a versatile lifestyle brand that caters to both fashion and home needs.

Away

Seed Round in 2015
Away is a modern travel brand offering high-quality, affordable luggage designed with thoughtful features to enhance travel experiences.

Hollar

Seed Round in 2015
Hollar is an online dollar store founded in 2015 and based in California, United States. The company operates an e-commerce platform that provides a diverse selection of consumer products, including toys, apparel, electronics, beauty items, household essentials, party supplies, and stationery. Hollar specializes in offering unique curated gift and party collections, allowing customers to purchase a variety of affordable products conveniently online. The company's focus on delivering inexpensive options makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a range of everyday items.

PS Dept.

Venture Round in 2014
PS Dept. operates a mobile e-commerce application that focuses on personal shopping services. The platform provides users with direct access to personal shoppers at selected retail stores, bridging the gap between the convenience of online shopping and the personalized assistance of in-store experts. Through this application, users can search for and order accessories and apparel, benefiting from tailored suggestions made by qualified associates in the field. This service enhances the shopping experience by combining the ease of digital transactions with the expertise of professional shoppers, catering to individuals seeking a more guided approach to retail.

Dollar Shave Club

Series B in 2013
Dollar Shave Club is a lifestyle brand and e-commerce company that develops and sells grooming products for men. It uses an exclusive R&D process that includes botanicals and chemists to create its own products at affordable prices. Founded in 2012 and based in Santa Monica, California, the company offers razors, blades, shave butter, aftershave liquids, face washes, wipes, and gift cards, primarily through a subscription model that provides convenient access to products at reasonable prices.

Dollar Shave Club

Series A in 2012
Dollar Shave Club is a lifestyle brand and e-commerce company that develops and sells grooming products for men. It uses an exclusive R&D process that includes botanicals and chemists to create its own products at affordable prices. Founded in 2012 and based in Santa Monica, California, the company offers razors, blades, shave butter, aftershave liquids, face washes, wipes, and gift cards, primarily through a subscription model that provides convenient access to products at reasonable prices.

Dollar Shave Club

Seed Round in 2012
Dollar Shave Club is a lifestyle brand and e-commerce company that develops and sells grooming products for men. It uses an exclusive R&D process that includes botanicals and chemists to create its own products at affordable prices. Founded in 2012 and based in Santa Monica, California, the company offers razors, blades, shave butter, aftershave liquids, face washes, wipes, and gift cards, primarily through a subscription model that provides convenient access to products at reasonable prices.
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