Scaling Startups with AI and Experience: Mike Schatzman of Venture Forward Capital at the Global Family Office Investment Summit

Sunny Isles, Miami – February 28, 2025

The Global Family Office Investment Summit in Miami was abuzz with innovation and opportunity, and GlobalBoost Media, as media partner, was thrilled to capture it all on the Impact Money Show . Amid the sun-soaked backdrop of Sunny Isles, I sat down with Mike Schatzman of Venture Forward Capital —an early-stage investment fund making waves by backing repeat entrepreneurs and harnessing AI for growth. With Anthony Ritossa doing an amazing job of bringing so many incredible people together, the summit was a testament to the power of connection—and we’re already counting down to the 25th edition in Dubai this May.

Mike, a three-time exited entrepreneur turned investor, brings a seasoned perspective to Venture Forward Capital, a fund he co-founded after running a single family office. “It’s our own startup business investing in startups,” he said with a grin, describing how the firm evolved into a VC fund focused on repeat founders with proven track records. Based in Chicago—the Windy City—the fund is sector- and geo-agnostic, with portfolio companies, investments, and limited partners (LPs) scattered across the U.S. and beyond. “Our landscape started in the United States, and we’re looking for other markets outside,” Mike explained, making the summit’s global audience a perfect fit.

So, what’s the secret sauce at Venture Forward Capital? It boils down to two pillars: experience and AI. “Our first criteria is repeat entrepreneurs—guys who’ve learned from mistakes, had success, and are solving bigger problems they’re passionate about,” Mike said. Think company number two or three, built by founders who’ve already been around the block. The second focus? Businesses leveraging AI—not as a buzzword, but as a tool for efficiency and scale. “Most businesses moving forward will need this technology ingrained in their model, or they’ll fall way behind,” he predicted. Unlike platform AI investing, Venture Forward seeks out companies using AI to accelerate growth and cut costs, especially in labor-intensive or out-of-favor industries ripe for disruption.

The summit, Mike noted, was a goldmine for expanding their network. “Our bread and butter is family office LPs,” he said, emphasizing their unique approach: focusing on the “P” (partner) in LP, not just the “L” (limited). Whether it’s a solo entrepreneur launching a single-family office post-exit or a sophisticated multi-family office morphing into a PE-style outfit, Venture Forward aims to be their go-to venture partner. “We bring expertise and high-quality deal flow they might not find on their own,” he added. Beyond investing in the fund, family offices can tap into curated opportunities to co-invest directly—a win-win in a risky venture landscape.

Mike’s passion for the work shone through. “It’s fulfilling, but it’s not easy,” he admitted. “Venture looks simple from the outside, but it’s really hard to execute.” With the space growing crowded, a sharp strategy and relentless execution are key—backed by a great team and a high-powered network. That’s why events like this matter. “You never know if you’ll develop one or two significant partnerships that can take your business further,” he said, praising the diverse perspectives from global attendees.

From AI-driven efficiency to hands-on support, Venture Forward’s mission is clear: partner with entrepreneurs for the long haul. “We’re not scared to roll up our sleeves when things get difficult,” Mike said. As strategic investors, they offer patient capital and a rich history of entrepreneurial know-how—helping founders grow while delivering outsized returns for their LPs. For those looking to connect, Mike’s easy to find: “Email me at mike@ventureforwardcapital.com, visit our website, or find me on LinkedIn—I’m fairly active there.”

As the Miami summit wrapped, it was clear why Anthony Ritossa’s vision resonates so deeply—bringing together minds like Mike’s to spark collaboration and innovation. With the 25th edition on the horizon in Dubai this May, GlobalBoost Media can’t wait to see what’s next.