Forerunner Ventures, established in 2010 and based in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in the consumer sector. The firm focuses on identifying and supporting entrepreneurs who anticipate and meet the evolving needs of modern consumers, thereby transforming industries and driving cultural change. Forerunner invests in a range of consumer-focused segments, including offline-to-online commerce, e-commerce, social and mobile commerce, internet marketplaces, and supporting tools and services. The firm typically invests $250,000 to $500,000 initially, with the potential for follow-on funding in top-performing companies. While preferring investments in the Bay Area, Forerunner also considers companies based in New York and Los Angeles, and often co-invests with active local investors when companies are not based in the Bay Area. Notable portfolio companies include Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Hims & Hers.
Fay is a company that connects individuals with dietitians covered by their health insurance, promoting improved dietary habits and overall well-being. It offers consulting services focused on medical nutrition therapy, enabling clients to select a dietitian and arrange either virtual or in-person consultations. Fay designs personalized nutrition plans tailored to each client's needs and works with insurance providers to ensure that these services are accessible and affordable. By facilitating customized nutrition counseling, Fay aims to enhance food-related health outcomes for its clients.
Teal Health
Seed Round in 2025
Teal Health is dedicated to improving women's health by providing at-home cervical cancer screenings. The company has developed an FDA-approved device that allows women to perform these essential screenings in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. By simplifying the process, Teal Health aims to encourage timely screenings, which are crucial for early detection and treatment, ultimately striving to eradicate cervical cancer in the United States. The initiative is supported by a group of committed investors who share the vision of transforming women's health experiences.
Fay
Series A in 2024
Fay is a company that connects individuals with dietitians covered by their health insurance, promoting improved dietary habits and overall well-being. It offers consulting services focused on medical nutrition therapy, enabling clients to select a dietitian and arrange either virtual or in-person consultations. Fay designs personalized nutrition plans tailored to each client's needs and works with insurance providers to ensure that these services are accessible and affordable. By facilitating customized nutrition counseling, Fay aims to enhance food-related health outcomes for its clients.
Zeera
Series B in 2022
Zeera is a mental healthcare company founded in 2019 by Ariela Safira, based in New York. The company focuses on providing a digital platform and in-person experiences aimed at enhancing mental wellness through a member-centered therapy model that is both affordable and effective. Zeera offers a monthly membership that includes on-demand, therapist-created tools and resources designed to assist users in managing experiences such as burnout. The platform emphasizes empathy and design, enabling individuals to access research-based therapy tools that encourage reflection and actionable steps for mental well-being. In addition to its mental health services, Zeera also caters to tech enthusiasts with accessories and gadgets compatible with Apple products, and embraces the cultural richness of Indian cuisine through authentic recipes and dining experiences for vegan and vegetarian customers.
DUOS
Series A in 2022
Duos is a company founded in 2020 and headquartered in New York, focused on enhancing the independence of older adults through a personal assistance platform. The platform offers a variety of services that support the elderly in daily activities such as transportation, errands, shopping, and nutrition. By fostering trusted relationships and facilitating community engagement, Duos enables older individuals to live fulfilling lives at home while maximizing their autonomy. The company's emphasis on technology and community connections aims to create a supportive environment for seniors, ensuring they receive the assistance needed to maintain their independence.
Oura
Venture Round in 2022
Oura is a Finnish company that specializes in the development of a smart wellness ring designed to monitor and track various biometric data related to health and well-being. The ring incorporates advanced sensors to measure key metrics such as heart rate, sleep cycles, and activity levels, providing users with insights into their physiological and behavioral responses to sleep, rest, and recovery. This data is accessible through the accompanying Oura application, which enables users to understand their overall health status and make informed lifestyle choices. Oura operates within the health and wellness industry, focusing on enhancing the user's understanding of their body and promoting better health outcomes.
Calibrate
Series B in 2021
Calibrate Health, Inc., established in 2020 and based in New York, specializes in digital metabolic health services. It offers a virtual program for sustainable weight loss, combining FDA-approved metabolic medications, a holistic curriculum, and one-on-one virtual coaching. The company's approach, designed by leading obesity and nutrition experts, targets the root causes of weight issues, aiming to improve metabolic health and drive lasting behavior change.
Zeera
Series A in 2021
Zeera is a mental healthcare company founded in 2019 by Ariela Safira, based in New York. The company focuses on providing a digital platform and in-person experiences aimed at enhancing mental wellness through a member-centered therapy model that is both affordable and effective. Zeera offers a monthly membership that includes on-demand, therapist-created tools and resources designed to assist users in managing experiences such as burnout. The platform emphasizes empathy and design, enabling individuals to access research-based therapy tools that encourage reflection and actionable steps for mental well-being. In addition to its mental health services, Zeera also caters to tech enthusiasts with accessories and gadgets compatible with Apple products, and embraces the cultural richness of Indian cuisine through authentic recipes and dining experiences for vegan and vegetarian customers.
DUOS
Seed Round in 2021
Duos is a company founded in 2020 and headquartered in New York, focused on enhancing the independence of older adults through a personal assistance platform. The platform offers a variety of services that support the elderly in daily activities such as transportation, errands, shopping, and nutrition. By fostering trusted relationships and facilitating community engagement, Duos enables older individuals to live fulfilling lives at home while maximizing their autonomy. The company's emphasis on technology and community connections aims to create a supportive environment for seniors, ensuring they receive the assistance needed to maintain their independence.
Calibrate
Series A in 2021
Calibrate Health, Inc., established in 2020 and based in New York, specializes in digital metabolic health services. It offers a virtual program for sustainable weight loss, combining FDA-approved metabolic medications, a holistic curriculum, and one-on-one virtual coaching. The company's approach, designed by leading obesity and nutrition experts, targets the root causes of weight issues, aiming to improve metabolic health and drive lasting behavior change.
Zeera
Seed Round in 2020
Zeera is a mental healthcare company founded in 2019 by Ariela Safira, based in New York. The company focuses on providing a digital platform and in-person experiences aimed at enhancing mental wellness through a member-centered therapy model that is both affordable and effective. Zeera offers a monthly membership that includes on-demand, therapist-created tools and resources designed to assist users in managing experiences such as burnout. The platform emphasizes empathy and design, enabling individuals to access research-based therapy tools that encourage reflection and actionable steps for mental well-being. In addition to its mental health services, Zeera also caters to tech enthusiasts with accessories and gadgets compatible with Apple products, and embraces the cultural richness of Indian cuisine through authentic recipes and dining experiences for vegan and vegetarian customers.
Calibrate
Seed Round in 2020
Calibrate Health, Inc., established in 2020 and based in New York, specializes in digital metabolic health services. It offers a virtual program for sustainable weight loss, combining FDA-approved metabolic medications, a holistic curriculum, and one-on-one virtual coaching. The company's approach, designed by leading obesity and nutrition experts, targets the root causes of weight issues, aiming to improve metabolic health and drive lasting behavior change.
Oura
Series B in 2020
Oura is a Finnish company that specializes in the development of a smart wellness ring designed to monitor and track various biometric data related to health and well-being. The ring incorporates advanced sensors to measure key metrics such as heart rate, sleep cycles, and activity levels, providing users with insights into their physiological and behavioral responses to sleep, rest, and recovery. This data is accessible through the accompanying Oura application, which enables users to understand their overall health status and make informed lifestyle choices. Oura operates within the health and wellness industry, focusing on enhancing the user's understanding of their body and promoting better health outcomes.
Oura
Series B in 2019
Oura is a Finnish company that specializes in the development of a smart wellness ring designed to monitor and track various biometric data related to health and well-being. The ring incorporates advanced sensors to measure key metrics such as heart rate, sleep cycles, and activity levels, providing users with insights into their physiological and behavioral responses to sleep, rest, and recovery. This data is accessible through the accompanying Oura application, which enables users to understand their overall health status and make informed lifestyle choices. Oura operates within the health and wellness industry, focusing on enhancing the user's understanding of their body and promoting better health outcomes.
Hilma
Venture Round in 2019
Hilma is a New York-based company founded in 2019 by Hilary Quartner, Lily Galef, and Nina Mullen, dedicated to creating quality natural remedies that support health. The business focuses on developing clinical herbal products that combine scientific research with natural ingredients, ensuring that each formulation is backed by clinical studies and a scientific advisory board of practicing clinicians. Hilma's offerings are gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free, catering to consumers seeking effective health solutions without adverse side effects. The company emphasizes the synergy between science and nature, aiming to provide consumers with safe and reliable health remedies.
Modern Fertility
Series A in 2019
Modern Fertility, Inc. is a women’s health company founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing fertility testing kits that allow women to measure key reproductive hormones through a simple finger-prick test at home or at a nearby lab. By making these tests more accessible and affordable, Modern Fertility empowers women to gain valuable insights into their reproductive health before they decide to start a family. The company aims to close the information gap surrounding fertility and help women make informed decisions about their health. Co-founded by Afton Vechery and Carly Leahy, Modern Fertility has raised $7 million to support its mission of advancing fertility science and providing women with the knowledge they need to understand their bodies on their own terms.
Hims & Hers Health
Series C in 2019
Hims & Hers Health is a multi-specialty telehealth platform that connects consumers with licensed healthcare professionals, facilitating access to high-quality medical care for various conditions, including mental health, sexual health, dermatology, and primary care. Founded in 2017, the company aims to eliminate stigmas associated with health and wellness care, making it easier for individuals to seek necessary treatments. Initially focused on telehealth services for erectile dysfunction and hair loss, Hims & Hers has since expanded its offerings and launched the Hers brand in 2018. To enhance its operations, the company developed its own Electronic Health Record system and partnered with several healthcare providers to facilitate in-person visits with doctors, thus ensuring comprehensive care for its users.
Nécessaire
Venture Round in 2018
Nécessaire Inc. is a manufacturer based in Culver City, California, specializing in body and sex care products. Established in 2017, the company offers a range of items including body deodorants, lotions, serums, washes, exfoliators, and treatment sets, alongside sex gels. Nécessaire emphasizes the importance of clean and effective ingredients, utilizing plant-based surfactants in its formulations to ensure safety and compatibility for skin health. The company operates primarily through online sales, aiming to elevate personal care into a holistic self-care experience rather than an afterthought.
Prose
Series B in 2018
Prose is a custom hair care brand that specializes in creating personalized hair and scalp products tailored to individual needs. Consumers begin with a holistic online consultation that assesses various factors, including hair type, texture, lifestyle, environmental influences, and dietary habits. This information is processed through a proprietary algorithm, resulting in unique formulations crafted in Prose's New York City lab. Each product is made-to-order, allowing for customization based on personal preferences such as vegan, gluten-free, or fragrance-free options. Prose's offerings are available nationwide through their website and select stylists, ensuring that customers receive effective nourishment tailored to their specific hair care requirements.
Hims & Hers Health
Series B in 2018
Hims & Hers Health is a multi-specialty telehealth platform that connects consumers with licensed healthcare professionals, facilitating access to high-quality medical care for various conditions, including mental health, sexual health, dermatology, and primary care. Founded in 2017, the company aims to eliminate stigmas associated with health and wellness care, making it easier for individuals to seek necessary treatments. Initially focused on telehealth services for erectile dysfunction and hair loss, Hims & Hers has since expanded its offerings and launched the Hers brand in 2018. To enhance its operations, the company developed its own Electronic Health Record system and partnered with several healthcare providers to facilitate in-person visits with doctors, thus ensuring comprehensive care for its users.
Prose
Series A in 2017
Prose is a custom hair care brand that specializes in creating personalized hair and scalp products tailored to individual needs. Consumers begin with a holistic online consultation that assesses various factors, including hair type, texture, lifestyle, environmental influences, and dietary habits. This information is processed through a proprietary algorithm, resulting in unique formulations crafted in Prose's New York City lab. Each product is made-to-order, allowing for customization based on personal preferences such as vegan, gluten-free, or fragrance-free options. Prose's offerings are available nationwide through their website and select stylists, ensuring that customers receive effective nourishment tailored to their specific hair care requirements.
Hims & Hers Health
Series A in 2017
Hims & Hers Health is a multi-specialty telehealth platform that connects consumers with licensed healthcare professionals, facilitating access to high-quality medical care for various conditions, including mental health, sexual health, dermatology, and primary care. Founded in 2017, the company aims to eliminate stigmas associated with health and wellness care, making it easier for individuals to seek necessary treatments. Initially focused on telehealth services for erectile dysfunction and hair loss, Hims & Hers has since expanded its offerings and launched the Hers brand in 2018. To enhance its operations, the company developed its own Electronic Health Record system and partnered with several healthcare providers to facilitate in-person visits with doctors, thus ensuring comprehensive care for its users.
Curology
Series B in 2016
Curology, Inc. is a San Diego-based company that specializes in prescription skincare products tailored for acne and anti-aging. Established in 2014, Curology offers a range of treatments targeting issues such as acne, clogged pores, dark spots, skin firmness, texture, and wrinkles. The company distinguishes itself by providing personalized skincare solutions delivered directly to customers' homes, making professional skincare more accessible and affordable. Through virtual consultations with licensed dermatology providers, Curology creates custom formulas that have been shown in clinical trials to be significantly more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. The platform also fosters community engagement, allowing users to connect and share their skincare journeys. Founded by a mother-son team of dermatologists, Curology aims to democratize access to effective skincare treatments for a broader audience.
Curology
Series A in 2014
Curology, Inc. is a San Diego-based company that specializes in prescription skincare products tailored for acne and anti-aging. Established in 2014, Curology offers a range of treatments targeting issues such as acne, clogged pores, dark spots, skin firmness, texture, and wrinkles. The company distinguishes itself by providing personalized skincare solutions delivered directly to customers' homes, making professional skincare more accessible and affordable. Through virtual consultations with licensed dermatology providers, Curology creates custom formulas that have been shown in clinical trials to be significantly more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. The platform also fosters community engagement, allowing users to connect and share their skincare journeys. Founded by a mother-son team of dermatologists, Curology aims to democratize access to effective skincare treatments for a broader audience.
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