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Mike Schatzman

Managing Partner at Venture Forward Capital

Greater Chicago Area

Overview 

Mike Schatzman is a Venture Capitalist and Emerging Fund Manager, currently serving as Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Venture Forward Capital. He has a strong track record of investing in Series A and Seed stage companies in the Consumer Internet and Enterprise sectors, with a focus on the Midwest region. Highlights of his career include serving as Director on the Board of Sypher, Inc and as Chairman of ClearBooks, showcasing his leadership and strategic decision-making skills in guiding companies towards success.

Work Experience 

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Venture Forward Capital

  • Founder and Managing Partner

    2022 - Current

    Venture Forward Capital is led by partners who’ve built and guided high-performing teams across diverse industries. More than investors, we’re entrepreneurs who have launched and successfully exited companies. We invest in repeat founders with proven exits and a strong track record of execution. Our sector-agnostic approach targets disruptive early-stage companies using vertical AI solutions to drive efficiency and scale.

Carboniste

  • Advisory Board Director

    2025

    CARBONISTE was born out of our desire to reimagine sparkling wine in California. https://carboniste.com/

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VNTR

  • Chapter Director / Chicago

    2025

  • Member

    2025 - 2025

    We are a community of accomplished VC investment peers who collaborate, share deal flows and co-invest alongside the top investors, funds and global partners. In short, we are here to help connect you with a worldwide investment community.

VNTR connects global investors to share opportunities.

vntr.vc
PC

PEF Community

  • Member / PEF Chicago Chapter Lead

    2023

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Sypher, Inc

  • Director Board of Directors

    2022

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Function

  • Advisory Board Director

    2025

    Simplify bookkeeping, tax prep, and CFO insights. Function delivers everything you need in one seamless experience, so your finances just work. Everything your growing business needs, nothing it doesn't. Function gives you a dedicated team of accountants and CFOs plus strategic insights—all tailored to work for you.

UD

Uplevel Digital Services

  • Advisory Board Director

    2023

    Partner and Advisory Board Director for UpLevel Digital Marketing specializing in a formulaic approach to help clients meet and exceed their sales goals.

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Heritage

  • Founding Member

    2025

    Premier network for next generation leaders in family offices and businesses.

TF

The Founders Club

  • Member

    2025

    A highly vetted community of High Growth Founders, CEO's, and Operators looking to network with like-minded individuals.

ST

Second Time Founders

  • Member

    2025

    A premiere network of seasoned and multiple-time founders committed to creating responsible and conscious companies.

Education 

Articles About Mike

Relevant Websites