Leaders and investors share common vision of building enduring consumer brands to reach their potential
Well-positioned consumer brands may now have the backing of a new fund, Forward Fund 1, launching in June 2023 by Forward Consumer Partners and which recently closed this past December. The private equity firm’s debut fund backed by global investors was oversubscribed with $425 million committed.
“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 stated.
Leeds’ background includes former partner at L Catterton, a market-leading consumer-focused investment firm and current Co-Founder and Chairman of Via Carota Craft Cocktails. He is a graduate of The Wharton School.
Imran Manji joins the firm as partner and member of the Investment Committee. He was previously an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company and is a graduate of Harvard Business School.
The firm has put together a formula of success for consumer brands, seeking out proven entrepreneurs who need backing for their next venture. It plans to make majority equity investments of $25-100 million in growing brands, back inspiring leaders, as well as operate Fast Forward, a strategy that incubates consumer brands from inception. They also will execute larger transactions via its sizeable co-invest network.
Forward Consumer Partners’ debut fund was achieved through its diverse leadership team, bringing together experience in investing, advising, and operating roles and drawn from top firms like McKinsey, KKR and Goldman Sachs. In addition, an advisory board was formed to bring together leaders from the consumer and investment communities.
