Capital & Venture Services
Potential investment and venture-building resources to execute an agreed growth plan
SCALE
ASAN ForwardPowered by ForwardShare
Build a Stronger Business in Six Months.
For founders with paying customers or demonstrated market demand, ASAN Forward combines experienced operators, potential investment, and hands-on support to strengthen products, acquire customers, and accelerate growth.
WHAT FOUNDERS GET
Capital. Connections. Expertise. Execution.
Product & Execution
Work with experienced operators to develop, improve, and bring products to market
Customers & Revenue
Strengthen sales execution and pursue customer, distribution, and commercial opportunities
Talent, Partnerships & Visibility
Connect with talent, strategic partners, and opportunities through ASAN's national network
Investment capital and business-building services are evaluated separately. Cohort selection does not guarantee either.
ASAN Forward, Powered by ForwardShare
ASAN
ASAN (American South Asian Network) connects South Asian founders and entrepreneurs across America with investors, customers, business leaders, mentors, and strategic partners. Through its national network, curated introductions, events, and media platforms, ASAN helps founders access capital, win customers, recruit talent, build partnerships, and gain visibility.
ASAN's Reach
- 200+ in-person events
- 300+ partnerships
- 50K+ people reached through events
ForwardShare
ForwardShare (Forward Share Ventures LLC) is a New York-based venture studio founded by Vish Rao Dumpeti, whose experience includes engineering leadership at Spotify, WeWork, CLEAR, and Justworks.
ForwardShare combines investment capital, business-building services, and experienced operators to help companies develop products, acquire customers, and grow.
ForwardShare:
- 100+ expert operators
- 200+ ventures supported
- 10+ portfolio companies
Featured operators include Rose M. Short, Ace Tarakchian, George Pottanat, and Eric Vega Giordano.
Explore ForwardShareHow Investment and Services Work
Qualifying companies may receive up to $250,000 in investment capital and up to $250,000 in business-building services.
ForwardShare and each selected company independently determine the investment amount, scope and value of services, fees, equity participation, and other commercial terms based on the company's needs, stage, growth potential, and proposed engagement.
ForwardShare may request equity or charge fees depending on the agreed arrangement. All proposed terms are disclosed in writing before the company commits.
ASAN takes no equity in participating companies, receives no investment proceeds or compensation from ForwardShare for ASAN Forward, and does not negotiate investment or commercial terms.
Applying to ASAN Forward is free.
FOUNDER EXPERIENCES
What Founders Say About ASAN and ForwardShare
“ASAN has supported my first feature film from the beginning, helping me navigate development, fundraising, post-production, and now distribution. The guidance and introductions have been valuable at every stage of bringing this project to life.”
Shivang MehtaFounder, Mehta Studios | ASAN“ForwardShare has brought together a team of expert operators who are working with me to strengthen the product, grow revenues, and scale the business. Having that experience and hands-on support around us has made a meaningful difference.”
Who Should Apply?
ASAN Forward welcomes founders across industries and backgrounds. We evaluate companies based on demonstrated execution, customer demand, business traction, growth potential, and fit with ForwardShare's expertise.
We're looking for companies with:
- A product or service addressing a demonstrated customer need.
- Paying customers, revenue, successful pilots, or other credible market validation.
- Founders committed to execution and growth.
- Opportunities where ForwardShare's expertise can accelerate progress.
Revenue-generating companies receive preference. Strong pre-revenue companies with meaningful validation may also apply.
HOW IT WORKS
From Application to Execution
Apply
Submit your application before the cohort deadline
Review & Interview
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted founders are contacted within three business days
Selection
Selected companies are announced on the published cohort dates
Build & Grow
Work with experienced operators on agreed priorities
Measure Progress
Track business milestones and results
What to Expect
The six-month program combines operator sessions, progress reviews, and execution against company-specific business milestones. Founders commit a minimum of four hours per week to scheduled program activities.
Cohort 0 is the inaugural pilot, with three participating companies helping refine the model for future cohorts.
COHORT TIMELINE
Choose Your Cohort.
| Milestone | Cohort 0 | Cohort 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Companies | 3 | 5–7 |
| Applications open | Nov 12, 2026 | Nov 12, 2026 |
| Applications close | Nov 24, 2026, 7 PM PT | Jan 31, 2027, 7 PM PT |
| Cohort announced | November 30, 2026 | March 1, 2027 |
| Program starts | December 1, 2026 | March 1, 2027 |
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Tell Us What You’re Building.
The initial application helps identify founders and companies worth inviting for an interview.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before You Apply
What does participation cost?
Applying to ASAN Forward is free. ForwardShare may propose investment, equity, paid services, or other commercial arrangements tailored to each company. All proposed terms are disclosed in writing before the company commits. ASAN receives no equity or compensation from ForwardShare for ASAN Forward.
Does acceptance guarantee funding or services?
No. ForwardShare evaluates each company's needs and investment potential individually. Accepted companies discuss proposed investment and business-building services directly with ForwardShare.
Do I need to relocate?
No. ASAN Forward supports companies through virtual engagement and selected in-person opportunities.
How are applications evaluated?
We consider founder execution, customer demand, business traction, growth potential, and how ForwardShare's capabilities can accelerate progress.
Can companies outside the United States apply?
Yes. ASAN Forward welcomes applicants internationally. Participation and any proposed investment or services remain subject to applicable requirements and individual agreements.
Do I need to be South Asian to apply?
No. ASAN Forward welcomes founders of all backgrounds.
When will I hear back?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted founders are contacted within three business days to schedule an interview. Cohort 0 applicants receive an outcome by November 30, 2026. Cohort 1 applicants receive a status update within 30 calendar days, with final selections announced March 1, 2027. Business days exclude weekends and U.S. federal holidays.
Can I apply again if I'm not selected?
Yes. Founders not selected for Cohort 0 can submit a new application for Cohort 1.
Can I participate in another accelerator or work with other investors?
Usually, yes, subject to existing contractual restrictions and potential conflicts of interest.
FOR INVESTORS
Invest in What’s Next.
Connect with emerging ventures through ASAN Forward and its network of founders, operators, and business leaders.
Register as an InvestorFOR EXPERT OPERATORS
Help Founders
Build and Grow.
Join ForwardShare’s expert operator network to contribute product, engineering, sales, growth, finance, operations, and other expertise.
Join as an Expert OperatorSTRATEGIC PARTNERS
Partner With ASAN Forward.
Support growing companies through commercial relationships, technology, distribution, services, or sponsorships.