Expanding, educating, and empowering a vibrant VC investor community

Venture Forward, NVCA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is on a mission to democratize access to the venture capital industry, empower individuals from all backgrounds and geographies to thrive as investors, and equip future VC leaders with the tools for long-term success. We support emerging fund managers and investors by providing education, mentorship, and resources to advance their careers. We are committed to driving healthy and sustainable generational change within established VC firms, ensuring strong industry stewardship for the future.

Through these efforts, we envision a VC industry that reaches all communities across the country, unlocking greater innovation, economic impact, and financial returns.

"Venture Forward enables innovation to reach its fullest potential by bringing the best possible next generation to the investment table."

Carmichael RobertsMaterial Impact

“There are so many geographies and so much talent in our nation that have the tools and the potential to thrive. What's missing is capital and a support network.”

Carmen Palafox2045 Ventures

“Venture Forward propelled me from ideation to an actual fund through the VC University Scholarship and Mentorship Programs.”

Himalaya RaoBHM Fund

“Venture Forward’s programs are transforming the future of the industry, enabling newcomers from diverse backgrounds to learn and network towards building a career in funding innovation.”

Charles HudsonPrecursor Ventures

"As an emerging fund manager with limited social capital, events like at Venture Forward’s LP Office Hours really make the difference. I appreciate being able to connect with top-tier GPs and LPs, start relationships with them and get insights to help me on my journey to becoming a successful fund manager."

Lolita TaubGanas Ventures

“As someone who broke into venture without prior experience in the space, I truly found so much value in VC University to equip me with the foundations needed to get my foot in the door.”

Aya SpencerKapor Capital

"I’ve been out raising for over a year and knew I had gaps in my knowledge, but really didn’t know how to go about filling them...Thank you all again for allowing me to be vulnerable about what I didn’t know in raising my first fund."

Reynaldo TrevinoDual Use Ventures

“Venture Forward draws awareness to the lack of representation in our industry, democratizes access to VC education, and provides an accountability loop on how we are doing through the VC Human Capital Survey.”

Barry EggersLightspeed

What is “DEI”?

“DEI” stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI philosophies are a crucial component of any healthy organizational culture, shaping an organization’s growth, hiring, and investment processes; talent management and retention; and more.

Read more in our DEI glossary and about why DEI matters in VC.

D

E

I

Diversity

Proportional representation

Equity

Fair access, opportunity, resources, and power to thrive

Inclusion

Feeling welcomed, valued, and supported

Proportional representation

Fair access, opportunity, resources, & power to thrive

Feeling welcomed, valued & supported

What is “intersectionality”?

“Intersectionality” is a framework that considers how different facets of identity overlap, interact, and inform a person’s experiences, particularly with regard to systems of exclusion and oppression (see DEI Glossary).

We are the first VC organization operating from an intersectional lens to support investors of all backgrounds and demographics.

“Intersectionality” is a framework that considers how different facets of identity overlap, interact, and inform a person’s experiences, particularly with regard to systems of exclusion and oppression (see DEI Glossary).

We are the first VC organization operating from an intersectional lens to support investors of all backgrounds and demographics.

Change by the numbers:

Professionals who are female, Hispanic, or Black are underrepresented among investment partners

Source: 2022 VC Human Capital Survey

Majority of VC firms don’t have a female, Hispanic, or Black partner

Source: 2022 VC Human Capital Survey

Few VC firms conduct inclusion surveys

Source: 2022 VC Human Capital Survey

The VC industry isn’t where it needs to be.

We’re doing our part.

580+

Full scholarships awarded to new and aspiring VCs from underrepresented and underestimated backgrounds for our VC University program.

265+

Emerging managers (EMs) from marginalized backgrounds served by our Emerging Manager Office Hours program.

4

VC Human Capital Surveys published to benchmark the state of the industry and track progress.

More VC firms have a diversity strategy

Source: 2022 VC Human Capital Survey

More VC firms monitor DEI at their portfolio companies

Source: 2022 VC Human Capital Survey

The representation of women among investment partners has increased

Source: 2022 VC Human Capital Survey

With your help, we’re making progress.

A one-stop resource for two kinds of investors.

Our efforts focus on two types of VC investors

For aspiring investors and emerging managers (EMs) seeking to enter and advance in the industry, we provide resources and opportunities to help you succeed.

We support current investors through research, resources, and training to implement powerful, positive change within your firm.

To support aspiring investors and EMs:

VC University
democratizes access to quality VC education for people of all backgrounds.

Emerging Manager Office Hours
connects underrepresented EMs with Limited Partners (LPs), experienced General Partners (GPs), and industry advisors through curated, half-day workshops.

Industry Resources
meet the ongoing and new needs of aspiring investors and emerging fund managers.

To support current investors:

VC Human Capital Survey

collects workforce data from VC firms to understand workforce, talent management, and demographics within the VC industry

Talent Resources

serve as a “square one” information hub and provide industry stats, guidance, programs, and yardsticks for measuring success.

Talent Pipeline

allows investors to expand their networks by accessing the strong and diverse talent in our community.

One important cause. Three ways to help.

There’s no time like the present to change the future. Here are three ways you can contribute to Venture Forward’s mission right now.

Donate

Sponsor a program or support our mission financially through a tax-deductible donation.

Get Involved

Join our community, volunteer, or participate in one of our programs.

Learn More

Learn more about our organization and our work.

Expanding, educating, and empowering a vibrant VC investor community

What is “DEI”?

D

E

I

Diversity

Equity

Inclusion

What is “intersectionality”?

“Intersectionality” is a framework that considers how different facets of identity overlap, interact, and inform a person’s experiences, particularly with regard to systems of exclusion and oppression (see DEI Glossary).

We are the first VC organization operating from an intersectional lens to support investors of all backgrounds and demographics.

“Intersectionality” is a framework that considers how different facets of identity overlap, interact, and inform a person’s experiences, particularly with regard to systems of exclusion and oppression (see DEI Glossary).

We are the first VC organization operating from an intersectional lens to support investors of all backgrounds and demographics.

Change by the numbers:

The VC industry isn’t where it needs to be.

We’re doing our part.

580+

265+

4

With your help, we’re making progress.

A one-stop resource for two kinds of investors.

Our efforts focus on two types of VC investors

To support aspiring investors and EMs:

To support current investors:

One important cause. Three ways to help.

Donate

Get Involved

Learn More

Volunteer Form

Sign up for communications

Tools & Templates Submission Form

Job Listing Submission

Ecosystem Event Submission