Building a brighter future.

Early-stage investments can have a huge impact on our economy, society and environment. Because entrepreneurs are solving some of the world’s biggest problems.

As investors, we recognise our responsibility to fund a future that's fairer, more inclusive and sustainable.

Person doing a yoga dancers pose on a beach, with a sunset background.

People

We are committed to improving inclusion & diversity as employers, colleagues, investors- and as part of wider society.

Planet

We are committed to minimising our impact on the natural environment - and to leading the way for our industry.

Doing things properly.

We take our responsibility as an employer and investor seriously. We believe in accountability - and transparency around our policies and practices - alongside nurturing a learning culture to ensure we’re always looking for opportunities to do better.

Nurturing a learning culture.

We provide our team and portfolio with access to resources, events, talks, and workshops. These empower the Forward team and wider community with a shared understanding of our purpose and principles - and act as a platform for constant improvement.

Inclusion & diversity.

We recognise the importance and benefits of a workforce and portfolio that is representative of UK society. We see this as a key part of our ambition to become London’s leading and most admired early-stage venture fund. So we’re doing away with old industry traditions that have led to a culture of exclusivity. We actively favour diverse and balanced founding teams - and our office hours pitching sessions are open to all, no warm introduction needed.

2021 Annual Report

We look back at a strong 2021, and outline our pragmatic approach to 2022, in our 2021 Annual Report.

FairHQ

We believe that a scientific, data-driven approach is the best way to identify the most important issues and our impact upon them. That’s why we’ve invested in FairHQ.

We not only work with the team as investors, we’re a customer and a champion within the sector for them too.

Protecting our planet.

We recognise that a commitment to respecting and protecting the environment means taking care of the small things as well as the big.

Aligning with the world’s leading experts.

Our environmental impact policies, practices and metrics have been built in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Protocol. We offset our emissions in line with Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard.

Fuelling our operations with 100% renewable energy.

Forward is powered by 100% renewable electricity. It comes from E.ON’s renewable generation assets, supply agreements with independent UK wind generators and the purchase of renewable electricity certificates.

Evolving best practice for sustainable operations.

We repair, reuse and recycle. We invest in technology that makes our environment as efficient as possible. We only travel when necessary - evaluating business and environmental impact.

2021 Annual Report

We look back at a strong 2021, and outline our pragmatic approach to 2022, in our 2021 Annual Report.

HIGHR

HIGHR are building the cleanest supply chain in the beauty industry. The company has been carbon neutral from day zero. They offer customers radical transparency into their products and raw materials.

HIGHR lipsticks are formulated with 100% clean solar energy. Buying just one saves 5.8 lbs of carbon dioxide compared to a standard lipstick.