Forum marketplace launches with $5.3m funding to support peer groups

Forum, a new marketplace for peer support groups that connects mission-driven facilitators with people seeking support for life's greatest challenges, announced its formal launch with $5.3 million in funding. The seed round was led by NextView Ventures and included participation from MBX Capital, Cue Ball Capital, Sahil Bloom of SRB Ventures, Romeen Sheth, Shaan Puri and City Light Capital.

Forum is a purpose-built marketplace platform that harnesses the power of human connection through virtual peer support groups. The marketplace has a rapidly expanding list of groups that cover topics like grief, loneliness, chronic conditions, substance use recovery, caregiving, relationships, and career.

Each of Forum's support groups is led by an experienced facilitator. The company's platform equips facilitators with the tools they need to create, grow and manage their groups. As a result, more facilitators can pursue their passion for helping people and create a new income stream without the administrative burden that typically prevents them from launching their own peer support groups.

Rajiv Kumar, CEO. Forum: "I've seen firsthand the power of peer support groups to help people navigate challenges in their lives while also building a sense of community. Our vision is to create a world where peer support is accessible and affordable for everyone. Forum provides a unique digital space for people to connect, heal and thrive together – without having to leave the comfort of their home."

Driven by a shortage of available mental health resources combined with a growing loneliness epidemic, demand for peer support groups has never been greater. However, traditional support group models are insufficient due to geographic constraints and a lack of specificity. People often turn to large online communities for peer support, but these channels are typically anonymous, asynchronous, and unmoderated, resulting in a lack of trust and authentic human connection. Forum solves these issues by delivering highly-specific, live, video-based and facilitated group meetings where meaningful relationships can form over time.

Lee Hower, Co-founder and Partner, NextView Ventures: "Forum is the industry's first marketplace that truly understands what consumers are looking for in peer support groups. As demand for peer support skyrockets, we're thrilled to be partnering with a founding team that has a differentiated vision informed by its deep and unique experience."

Facilitators interested in becoming a Forum partner go through a vetting process, where they are evaluated on their education, skills, and experience. All facilitators complete a formal onboarding and training program, and they receive longitudinal feedback and professional development opportunities.

www.joinforum.com