💫 Special Edition: Finding the Right VC Partner in Uncertain Times

​​This is a special edition of Lolita's Newsletter, monthly newsletter of curated actionable insights and resources for over 20,000 underestimated founders, funders, and friends.

Back in 2015, the first Silicon Valley startup I worked for was backed by Michael Cardamone, Managing Partner of Forum Ventures. Over the past 10 years, I’ve seen him walk the walk when it comes to supporting the underestimated founder-investor community. That’s why I’m so excited to feature Forum Ventures’ B2B SaaS Accelerator and Venture Studio in this Lolita’s Newsletter Special Edition! - Lolita Taub

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A Note from the Forum Ventures’ team

Raising capital is never easy, and for underrepresented founders, it’s becoming even more challenging. With DEI initiatives being scaled back and capital becoming harder to secure, finding an investor who genuinely believes in you and your vision is more critical than ever.

At Forum Ventures, we don’t just talk about supporting diverse founders—we are actively writing checks. While other VCs are pulling back, we remain deeply committed because we know that successful companies are built by strong, inclusive teams.

We pride ourselves on being a steady, hands-on partner through the highs and lows of building a company. We provide expert guidance on go-to-market, sales, and fundraising, and introductions to our vast investor network for your next raise.

If you’re looking for a VC who will truly back you—apply now for a $100K investment + accelerator admission or a $250K investment with our AI Venture Studio.

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💖 Finding the Right VC Match

The investor you choose can make or break your startup––especially during tumultuous times like today. It’s not just about the check—it’s about long-term alignment, trust, and real strategic support. Here’s how to find the right partner:

✅ Focus on aligned investors – VCs who invest at your stage, in your sector, and in founders like you. Research their portfolio, thesis, and funding track record.

🌍 Commitment to diversity – Seek an investor who genuinely prioritizes diverse teams. Look at their existing portfolio—are they actively investing in founders like you?

🌐 An expansive investor network – Your first investor needs to be able open doors to future investors. This is especially true for first-time founders and/or immigrant founders who don’t have their own network yet.

👐🏽 Values > Valuations – Do they believe in your mission and long-term vision? Do they support your approach to scaling, hiring, and decision-making? Will they stand by you as the market shifts?

❓Ask the right questions – Ask about their investment strategy and areas expertise, of course. AND ask them to share a time when they helped a founder through a tough moment.

💚 Look for Green Flags – A great investor will listen before they advise, provide real value in GTM and fundraising, and challenge you constructively.

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💡 The Right Investor Changes Everything

When the VC-founder fit is right, it turns into a partnership that helps you scale smarter and faster. That’s why, at Forum, we invest in founders first, and companies second. As former entrepreneurs, we offer the kind of deep, hands-on operational support we wish we had. We work best with founders who are open to collaboration, value honest feedback, and want a team who’s truly in their corner.

Now is the time to find a VC who will back you for the long run. We are actively investing—apply today for:

💰 $100K investment + accelerator admission (for early-stage founders building B2B SaaS startups)

🤖 $250K investment with our AI Venture Studio (for founders wanting to build a company from scratch with a fractional GTM team)

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​Disclaimer: This is a sponsored edition of Lolita's Newsletter, and we encourage you to do your own research before choosing accelerator programs and funding partners>. .