Forum is building what we believe will be the definitive marketplace for a broad array of peer support groups. This investment underscores our belief in the immense potential of digital platforms to foster human connection and support during life’s most challenging times.

Digital technologies, along with many broader societal forces, are often cited as a cause of an increased sense of disconnectedness in modern life. But often one of the most impactful ways of overcoming difficulties from grief, chronic illness, substance abuse, or relationship challenges can be through facilitated peer support. Forum’s software makes it easier for professional facilitators to host virtual sessions, manage scheduling, and process payments, and the marketplace model enables facilitators and group members to come together from all across the globe.

Topics centered on health and well-being will be a focus for Forum, though the market opportunity also extends into career-focused peer groups. In generations past, organizations like YPO (Young Presidents Organization), Rotary Clubs, and local Chambers of Commerce helped entrepreneurs, execs, and other business leaders connect and thrive in their careers. But today, these types of tightly connected groups are formed and interact in the online world as much or more as the offline world, and we believe Forum can be the hub for these, as well.

We’re thrilled to be able to partner with Forum co-founders Rajiv Kumar MD and Lee Pichette, both very experienced founders and startup execs. You can hear from them directly as to why they started Forum and why it’s important to them to build this company today. They previously built ShapeUp, a digital health company focused on group-based behavior change, through acquisition by Insight Partners and Virgin Group, which gives them lots of wisdom in building Forum today. We’ve known Rajiv and Lee for many years and we’re excited to now be collaborators in their new company.