Organization · Trade Organization
Venture Forward
Venture Forward is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco that aims to diversify and empower the venture capital investor class. It provides educational resources and connections to enhance representation within the VC community.
Overview
What Venture Forward does
What Venture Forward is
Venture Forward is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco that aims to diversify and empower the venture capital investor class. It provides educational resources and connections to enhance representation within the VC community.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports program host and community capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Trade Organization
- Structured capabilities
- Program host · Community
- Last reviewed
- March 27, 2026
Official channels
Find Venture Forward elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Venture Forward as a program host
Program thesis
Venture Forward aims to enhance access to the venture capital industry by empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographies to succeed as investors.
Focus narrative
Venture Forward invests in educational programs and resources aimed at aspiring investors and emerging fund managers. Key initiatives include VC University, which democratizes access to venture capital education, and Emerging Manager Office Hours, which connects underrepresented managers with Limited Partners and experienced General Partners through curated workshops.
Value and support
Founders and aspiring investors gain access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and workshops designed to enhance their understanding of venture capital and improve their chances of success in the industry.
Availability
- Application state
- Not published
Focus and fit
- Regions
- North America
Alumni and track record
Alumni context
Venture Forward has educated over 5,150 participants through VC University, awarding 700+ full scholarships to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. The Emerging Manager Office Hours have facilitated over 1,545 meetings for emerging managers with LPs and GPs, providing critical fundraising knowledge and networking opportunities.
Programs hosted by Venture Forward
These Programs have a direct canonical host relationship to this Organization.
Capability profile
Venture Forward as a community
Community overview
Venture Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) to enhance access to the venture capital industry. It aims to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographies to succeed as investors and to equip future venture capital leaders with essential tools for long-term success. The organization is based in San Francisco, California, and focuses on addressing industry imbalances to create pathways for broader representation and opportunities within the venture capital sector.
Community focus
Venture Forward invests in educational programs and resources aimed at aspiring investors and emerging fund managers. Its initiatives include VC University, which provides democratized access to venture capital education, and Emerging Manager Office Hours, connecting underrepresented emerging managers with Limited Partners (LPs) and experienced General Partners (GPs). The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in venture capital, advocating for a more representative investment community to unlock greater innovation and economic impact.
Member value
Members benefit from access to educational programs, networking opportunities, and resources designed to enhance their understanding of venture capital. Initiatives like VC University and Emerging Manager Office Hours provide critical knowledge and connections that empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to succeed in the industry.
Membership
- Pricing models
- free
Format and cadence
- Modality
- hybrid
- Schedule
- rolling-admissions
- Commitment
- light
Availability
- Membership state
- Accepting
Audience and fit
- Audience
- Founders · Investors · Fund Managers
- Benefits
- mentorship, network-access, and certification
- Program types
- community and course
- Selection criteria
- open
- Regions
- United States
Community activity
Events and activity
Venture Forward hosts various educational initiatives, including VC University, which has educated over 5,150 participants, and Emerging Manager Office Hours, which has facilitated over 1,545 meetings for emerging managers with LPs and GPs.
Notable members
Venture Forward collaborates with the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and has notable team members including Maryam Haque (Executive Director) and Rhianon Anderson (Vice President, Programs).
Common questions
What to know about Venture Forward
Upseed classifies Venture Forward under the Trade Organization organization type. Its current public profile includes program host and community capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 27, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.