Forerunner Ventures
Forerunner Ventures, established in 2010 and based in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in the consumer sector. The firm focuses on identifying and supporting entrepreneurs who anticipate and meet the evolving needs of modern consumers, thereby transforming industries and driving cultural change. Forerunner invests in a range of consumer-focused segments, including offline-to-online commerce, e-commerce, social and mobile commerce, internet marketplaces, and supporting tools and services. The firm typically invests $250,000 to $500,000 initially, with the potential for follow-on funding in top-performing companies. While preferring investments in the Bay Area, Forerunner also considers companies based in New York and Los Angeles, and often co-invests with active local investors when companies are not based in the Bay Area. Notable portfolio companies include Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Hims & Hers.
Past deals in Personal Accessories
A-Frame Brands
Series A in 2021
A-Frame Brands LLC is a Los Angeles-based company specializing in the development of plant-based personal care products. Founded in 2019, it offers a range of items including soaps, foaming soap refills, hand sanitizers, and cleansing hand sprays, which are sold primarily online. The company partners with leading celebrities to launch sustainable, mission-driven brands that cater to everyday needs while promoting social responsibility. A-Frame Brands is committed to proving that businesses can achieve both commercial success and positive social impact.
Nécessaire
Venture Round in 2018
Nécessaire Inc. is a company based in Culver City, California, that specializes in the manufacture and sale of body and sexual care products. Founded in 2017, Nécessaire focuses on providing high-quality skincare solutions that prioritize clean, effective ingredients. Its product range includes body deodorants, lotions, serums, washes, exfoliators, treatment sets, and sex gels, all designed to promote skin health and personal wellness. The company emphasizes the importance of body care and believes that these products should be integral to personal grooming rather than an afterthought. By utilizing plant-based surfactants and avoiding harsh chemicals, Nécessaire is committed to formulating safe and natural body-care products, reinforcing the notion that self-care is an essential part of personal care. The company's offerings are primarily available for purchase online.
Away
Series C in 2018
Away is a modern travel and lifestyle brand focused on transforming travel experiences through high-quality, affordable luggage and accessories. The company offers a range of products, including suitcases, bags, and interior organizers crafted from lightweight, durable materials such as polycarbonate. Away's designs incorporate thoughtful features aimed at addressing common travel challenges, such as an ejectable battery for charging devices and an interior laundry bag for organization. By prioritizing sustainability and meeting airline regulations, Away provides travelers with functional and stylish solutions to enhance their journeys.
Away
Series B in 2017
Away is a modern travel and lifestyle brand focused on transforming travel experiences through high-quality, affordable luggage and accessories. The company offers a range of products, including suitcases, bags, and interior organizers crafted from lightweight, durable materials such as polycarbonate. Away's designs incorporate thoughtful features aimed at addressing common travel challenges, such as an ejectable battery for charging devices and an interior laundry bag for organization. By prioritizing sustainability and meeting airline regulations, Away provides travelers with functional and stylish solutions to enhance their journeys.
Hollar
Series B in 2016
Hollar is an online dollar store founded in 2015 and based in California, United States. The company operates an e-commerce platform that provides a diverse selection of consumer products, including toys, apparel, electronics, beauty items, household essentials, party supplies, and stationery. Hollar specializes in offering unique curated gift and party collections, allowing customers to purchase a variety of affordable products conveniently online. The company's focus on delivering inexpensive options makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a range of everyday items.
Away
Series A in 2016
Away is a modern travel and lifestyle brand focused on transforming travel experiences through high-quality, affordable luggage and accessories. The company offers a range of products, including suitcases, bags, and interior organizers crafted from lightweight, durable materials such as polycarbonate. Away's designs incorporate thoughtful features aimed at addressing common travel challenges, such as an ejectable battery for charging devices and an interior laundry bag for organization. By prioritizing sustainability and meeting airline regulations, Away provides travelers with functional and stylish solutions to enhance their journeys.
Dollar Shave Club
Series D in 2015
Dollar Shave Club is a lifestyle brand and e-commerce company based in Santa Monica, California, established in 2012. It specializes in providing grooming products for men through a subscription model, offering a variety of items such as razors, blades, shave butter, aftershave liquids, face washes, and wipes. The company focuses on delivering smart and affordable products designed to enhance customers' lives. By employing a unique research and development process that incorporates botanicals and chemists, Dollar Shave Club produces its own goods while maintaining competitive pricing.
Draper James
Series A in 2015
Draper James, LLC is a retail brand that specializes in designing and selling women's apparel and accessories, as well as home décor. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York, the company offers a diverse range of products, including dresses, skirts, tops, pants, outerwear, handbags, jewelry, and various home items such as blankets and stationery. The brand emphasizes personal style and sensibility, with its collections reflecting timeless grace and charm. Draper James operates primarily through online sales, aiming to provide women with a versatile lifestyle brand that caters to both fashion and home needs.
Away
Seed Round in 2015
Away is a modern travel and lifestyle brand focused on transforming travel experiences through high-quality, affordable luggage and accessories. The company offers a range of products, including suitcases, bags, and interior organizers crafted from lightweight, durable materials such as polycarbonate. Away's designs incorporate thoughtful features aimed at addressing common travel challenges, such as an ejectable battery for charging devices and an interior laundry bag for organization. By prioritizing sustainability and meeting airline regulations, Away provides travelers with functional and stylish solutions to enhance their journeys.
Hollar
Seed Round in 2015
Hollar is an online dollar store founded in 2015 and based in California, United States. The company operates an e-commerce platform that provides a diverse selection of consumer products, including toys, apparel, electronics, beauty items, household essentials, party supplies, and stationery. Hollar specializes in offering unique curated gift and party collections, allowing customers to purchase a variety of affordable products conveniently online. The company's focus on delivering inexpensive options makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a range of everyday items.
PS Dept.
Venture Round in 2014
PS Dept. operates a mobile e-commerce application that focuses on personal shopping services. The platform provides users with direct access to personal shoppers at selected retail stores, bridging the gap between the convenience of online shopping and the personalized assistance of in-store experts. Through this application, users can search for and order accessories and apparel, benefiting from tailored suggestions made by qualified associates in the field. This service enhances the shopping experience by combining the ease of digital transactions with the expertise of professional shoppers, catering to individuals seeking a more guided approach to retail.
Dollar Shave Club
Series B in 2013
Dollar Shave Club is a lifestyle brand and e-commerce company based in Santa Monica, California, established in 2012. It specializes in providing grooming products for men through a subscription model, offering a variety of items such as razors, blades, shave butter, aftershave liquids, face washes, and wipes. The company focuses on delivering smart and affordable products designed to enhance customers' lives. By employing a unique research and development process that incorporates botanicals and chemists, Dollar Shave Club produces its own goods while maintaining competitive pricing.
Dollar Shave Club
Series A in 2012
Dollar Shave Club is a lifestyle brand and e-commerce company based in Santa Monica, California, established in 2012. It specializes in providing grooming products for men through a subscription model, offering a variety of items such as razors, blades, shave butter, aftershave liquids, face washes, and wipes. The company focuses on delivering smart and affordable products designed to enhance customers' lives. By employing a unique research and development process that incorporates botanicals and chemists, Dollar Shave Club produces its own goods while maintaining competitive pricing.
Dollar Shave Club
Seed Round in 2012
Dollar Shave Club is a lifestyle brand and e-commerce company based in Santa Monica, California, established in 2012. It specializes in providing grooming products for men through a subscription model, offering a variety of items such as razors, blades, shave butter, aftershave liquids, face washes, and wipes. The company focuses on delivering smart and affordable products designed to enhance customers' lives. By employing a unique research and development process that incorporates botanicals and chemists, Dollar Shave Club produces its own goods while maintaining competitive pricing.
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