Pitch guide
How to pitch Forerunner Ventures
Forerunner Ventures has backed 2 of the startups in our index. Here's everything you need to know before reaching out.
Quick facts
- Type
- Stages
- Sectors
- Based in
- Portfolio depth
- Website
- Twitter / X
The 4-step playbook
1. Confirm fit
Before spending a minute writing a cold email, make sure your startup matches Forerunner Ventures's actual focus. They invest in Consumer. They're most active at seed, series a stage. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to Forerunner Ventures works occasionally but the conversion is brutal. Find a mutual connection: a portfolio founder, an LP, or a fellow VC who's co-invested with them. LinkedIn's "see who else they're connected with" view is your best tool. If you have no mutuals, build relationships in their community first — comment thoughtfully on their content, attend events they speak at, get on their radar.
3. Tight 10-slide deck + clear ask
Your deck should be 10–12 slides covering: problem, solution, why now, market, traction, business model, team, competition, what you're raising, and the ask. For inspiration, look at decks from Warby Parker, Glossier, Dollar Shave Club — companies Forerunner Ventures backed early. See our pitch deck archive for slide-by-slide breakdowns of famous decks.
4. Follow up like a pro
If they pass, ask for one piece of honest feedback and one referral. Don't argue. Don't beg. Investors talk — and the founders who handle no's gracefully are the ones they remember when their next round opens. Keep Forerunner Ventures on your update list for 6-month progress mails even after a pass; many funded deals come from second tries.
Frequently asked questions
What does Forerunner Ventures invest in?
Forerunner Ventures focuses on Consumer.
What stages does Forerunner Ventures invest at?
Forerunner Ventures primarily invests at seed, series a stage.
Where is Forerunner Ventures based?
Forerunner Ventures is headquartered in San Francisco, USA and was founded in 2010.
How do I contact Forerunner Ventures?
The best way to reach Forerunner Ventures is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://www.forerunnerventures.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@forerunnervc).
What are Forerunner Ventures's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by Forerunner Ventures include Warby Parker, Glossier, Dollar Shave Club.