Forward Consumer Partners – a private equity firm that invests in branded consumer businesses – announced recently the successful closing of its oversubscribed debut fund, Forward Fund I (Fund I).
Launched in June 2023 and closed in December 2023, Fund I exceeded the target and closed at its $425 million hard cap, with support from a diverse base of highly regarded global investors. Forward held a single close for Fund I and did not use a placement agent.
The firm’s mission is building brands that matter, in partnership with inspiring leaders, and to create meaningful equity value as a result. And Forward’s core strategy will make majority equity investments of $25 million to $100 million in growing and well-positioned consumer brands, and can execute larger transactions with the support of its substantial co-invest network. Plus, the firm also operates Fast Forward, a strategy which incubates consumer brands from inception.
Forward’s team has a wide set of experiences across investing, advising, and operating roles, and brings experience from leading firms including L Catterton, McKinsey, KKR, Goldman Sachs, Endeavor, etc. And the firm has also built an Advisory Board, which brings together some of the most accomplished leaders from the consumer and investment communities. Together, the individuals who comprise Forward share a common vision: to help enduring consumer brands make progress toward their potential.
KEY QUOTE:
“We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to Forward’s launch, honored by the support of our investors, and excited about what Forward will accomplish in the years to come.”
— Matt Leeds, Forward’s Founder and Managing Partner
