Forerunner Ventures Redefines Exit Strategies: Why IPOs Aren’t the Only Path to Startup Success

Forerunner Ventures Redefines Exit Strategies: Why IPOs Aren’t the Only Path to Startup Success

Forerunner Ventures Is Playing the Long Game—And It’s Paying Off When I reflect on the evolution of venture capital and startup growth trajectories, Forerunner Ventures stands out as a firm that’s never played by the book—and that’s a good thing. Image Credits:Slava Blazer / TechCrunch More than a decade ago, Forerunner began shaping the consumer startup space with bold bets on Warby Parker, Bonobos, and Glossier. But here’s the twist: none of these names have gone through a traditional IPO. Instead, they’ve carved their own paths—through SPACs, acquisitions, or simply choosing to remain private. And honestly? That’s not a failure. That’s adaptation. IPO Isn’t the Only Exit Anymore—and That’s Okay Warby Parker went public via a SPAC. Bonobos got scooped up by Walmart. Glossier is still very much private. This isn’t due to lack of ambition—it’s a strategic choice in a world where IPOs are no longer the default dream. Take Chime and Ōura, two other early Forerunner investments. Chime confiden…