Will Continue To Help Build Powerful Brands That Make Beloved Products™

Forward Consumer Partners (“Forward” or the “Firm”), a private investment firm focused on branded consumer products, today announces the successful closing of Forward Fund II (“Fund II”) at its $500 million hard cap.

Launched in December 2025 and closed in March 2026, Fund II was significantly oversubscribed with commitments from a diverse base of respected global investors. Forward held a single close for Fund II and did not work with a placement agent.

The Firm’s mission is to help build powerful brands that make beloved products, in partnership with inspiring leaders, and to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns as a result. Forward will continue to focus on majority equity investments of $25-250 million in well-positioned consumer brands and can execute larger transactions with the support of its substantial co-invest network.

Forward’s team has a diverse set of backgrounds across investing, advising, and operating roles, and brings experience from leading firms including L Catterton, Carlyle, McKinsey, KKR, Goldman Sachs, Endeavor, and more. The Firm has also built an Advisory Board consisting of 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.

Matt Leeds, Forward’s Founder and Managing Partner, remarked: “We are grateful for the efforts of all those who have contributed to Forward’s progress since launching in 2023, honored by the support of our returning and new investors, and excited about what Forward will accomplish in the future.”

About Forward Consumer Partners
Forward is a private investment firm focused on powerful brands that make beloved products. The Firm was created to help build enduring consumer businesses, providing each portfolio company with the partnership, resources, experience, and ambition to make progress toward its potential. Forward manages $925 million of committed capital, and its portfolio includes Kodiak, Justin’s, Firehook, Xochitl, Bar Keeper’s Friend, Via Carota Craft Cocktails, and Papatui. For more information, please visit forwardconsumer.com.

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