Empowering AI and advanced tech startups
Comprehensive, equity-based support for innovative founders building the future of technology
About ForgeUp
ForgeUp Venture Studio empowers AI/ML and advanced tech startups with comprehensive, equity-based support through our unique cohort-based approach.
Our Approach
We work with 3-4 cohorts per year, each supporting 4-8 promising startups. Our hands-on model provides the essential services and guidance needed to accelerate your growth and success.
Our Team
Founded by experienced entrepreneurs and backed by a network of industry experts, we bring deep technical and business expertise to every startup we support.
Our People
Jeff Knight
Business Development and Sales
Startup lawyer turned entrepreneur with expertise in go-to-market strategy and fundraising.
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Oren Litwin
Chief Compliance Officer
Legal and corporate governance expert with experience in entity formation and compliance.
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Dillon Kivo
Marketing and Branding
Bestselling author and founder of PersonalBranding.com specializing in media, marketing, and brand strategy.
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Zavier Sanders
Software Development and AI
Product-focused software engineer specializing in scalable systems and AI-powered tools.
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Padowithz Alce
IP Strategy and Patents
Patent attorney and founder of AI Patent Law specializing in IP strategy for AI startups.
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Jesse Jones
Corporate Law and Startup Advisory
Lead attorney and founder at Fourscore Business Law, specializing in venture financing, acquisitions, and corporate governance.
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Amanda Brandon
Studio Manager
Studio manager with entrepreneurial background and a knack for keeping everything organized and on track.
View ProfileOur Advisors
Brad Jenkins
Strategic Advisory and Investor Relations
Serial entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Seed Round Capital with expertise in startup funding and successful exits.
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Kyle Morris
Strategic Advisor
Harvard-educated tech entrepreneur and advisor with deep Silicon Valley connections and expertise in AI/ML ventures.
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First Element Capital
Strategic Advisor
Entrepreneurial insights, deep capital markets expertise, and a premium investor network to drive exceptional results.
View ProfileWhy Choose ForgeUp
Our model is designed to give startups the support they need while aligning incentives for long-term success.
- Comprehensive support across legal, marketing, development and sales
- Access to our network of preferred providers and mentors
- Proven cohort-based approach with structured milestones
Core Services
Our partnership model aligns our success with yours through strategic equity arrangements, tailored to each venture's unique stage and potential.
Corporate Legal
Entity Formation, Equity/Cap Table Management, Basic Contracts and legal infrastructure for your startup.
Patent Strategy
Audit/Evaluation of Tech for Patentability, Development of Strategy, Provisional Patent Registration.
Marketing & PR
Branding, digital marketing, article placement and comprehensive go-to-market strategies.
Software Development
AI model integration, MVP development, and technical infrastructure support for your product.
Sales & Business Model
Stand up a sales org, curate a business model/go to market, and develop pricing strategy.
Fundraising & Investor Relations
Fundraising support, investor relations, and access to our network of investors and partners.
Preferred Provider Roster
Beyond our core services, startups gain access to our curated roster of third-party service providers offering special rates for accounting, payroll, insurance, benefits, fundraising support, specialized AI consulting, and more.
Cohort-Based Approach
We run 3-4 cohorts per year, each operating on a 12–16-week cycle, during which startups receive our comprehensive service package.
Cohort Selection
We select 4-8 startups based on founder fit, technology viability, market opportunity, and alignment with our services.
Service Delivery
Over a 12-16 week cycle, startups receive our comprehensive service package tailored to their specific needs.
Growth Acceleration
We help startups establish key foundations and accelerate growth through our expertise and network.
Demo Day
Startups showcase their progress to our network of investors and partners, with support to raise their next funding round.
Initial Investment
Selected startups receive $5,000 to $25,000 in initial investment, backed by our venture capital partner.
Ongoing Support
Post-cohort, startups continue to benefit from our network of providers and ongoing advisory support.
Shared Success Model
We align our success with yours through an equity partnership that ensures we're fully invested in your growth. This model allows us to provide comprehensive support while maintaining a long-term commitment to each startup's journey. The partnership creates mutual incentives for success and access to our broader network of resources and expertise.
Venture Capital Partnership
We're proud to partner with Seed Round Capital as our venture capital partner. Through this partnership, we provide each selected startup with an initial investment of $5,000 to $25,000 before demo day.
This investment not only provides initial capital but also establishes a relationship with a trusted venture partner who can potentially lead or participate in your future funding rounds following our Demo Day showcase.
Apply for Our Next Cohort
Interested in accelerating your startup? Get in touch with us to learn more about our cohort selection process and shared success model.
What We're Looking For
- Early-stage AI/ML or advanced tech startups
- Strong founder fit and expertise
- Viable and defensible technology
- Clear market opportunity
- Alignment with our service offerings