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Venture Forward Capital's Mike Schatzman and Ohad Tzur Achieve Elite Status in VC Lab Cohort 17, Reaching Top 4% of Participants

Venture Forward Capital
June 12, 2025
5 min read

CHICAGO, IL – June 11, 2025 – Mike Schatzman, a prominent figure in venture capital and principal at Venture Forward Capital, and Ohad Tzur are excited to be Top Performers graduating in the top 4% of VC Lab Cohort 17 by exceeding the prestigious PACT (Portfolio Assessment and Capital Tracking) threshold. Both are also thrilled to be selected for Cohort 17 Recognition Awards to celebrate their achievements throughout the program.

VC Lab is the leading venture capital accelerator worldwide, helping emerging managers launch over 600 venture capital firms over the past 5 years globally. VC Lab has launched over 50% of new venture capital firms in the last two years with a powerful combination of training, tools, and capital. The program is highly selective - Cohort 17 had over 3,000 applicants, with only the top 10% accepted. Of the 300 participants who started, fewer than 100 graduate the intensive 14-week journey. 

"Exceeding the PACT threshold represents more than just a numerical milestone," said Mike Schatzman, Founder & Managing Partner at Venture Forward Capital. "It demonstrates the ability to secure qualified investor commitments for our fund, which directly translates to our capacity to back exceptional entrepreneurs. This achievement reflects the trust that limited partners place in our investment strategy and our commitment to building an ethical, enduring venture capital firm."

"Excited to be a Top Performer in VC Lab Cohort 17," said Ohad Tzur, General Partner at Venture Forward Capital. "This world-class program has equipped us with the essentials for launching a top decile fund and taught us what it takes to be the best of the best. The data-driven approach and emphasis on real-world experience has been invaluable in building our network and investment capabilities."

The VC Lab program challenges participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world fund building scenarios, requiring them to demonstrate proficiency in LP fundraising, deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio construction strategies. Schatzman and Tzur’s achievement demonstrates exceptional progress in securing qualified investor commitments for the fund.

Both Schatzman and Tzur will be recognized at the Cohort 17 Top Performers Spotlight event scheduled for Thursday, June 26th at 8:00 AM PT, where top performers from the cohort will be featured. The virtual event will provide insights into their achievements and learnings from the VC Lab Accelerator program. The event serves as both a recognition of achievement and a networking opportunity for aspiring venture capitalists, industry leaders, and the broader venture capital community.

This accomplishment further solidifies Venture Forward Capital's reputation as a leading investment firm with principals who maintain the highest standards of professional development and industry expertise. Schatzman and Tzur’s participation in VC Lab demonstrates the firm's ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of venture capital best practices and emerging market trends, while also aligning with VC Lab's mission to make VC a force for good through the Mensarius Oath, which prioritizes ethical investing and responsible innovation.

About Venture Forward Capital Venture Forward Capital is led by partners who've built and guided high-performing teams across diverse industries. More than investors, they're entrepreneurs who have launched and successfully exited companies. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, backing visionary founders with AI-driven solutions—whether they're repeat entrepreneurs with successful exits or first-time founders with proven startup success. For more information, visit www.ventureforwardcapital.com.

About VC Lab VC Lab is the leading venture capital accelerator worldwide, having launched over 50% of new venture capital firms in the last two years through a powerful combination of training, tools, and capital. The program has launched over 600 VC firms over the past 5 years, with a highly selective admission process that accepts only the top 10% of over 3,000 applicants. Of the 300 participants who begin each cohort, less than 100 graduate the intensive 14-week program.  The VC Lab Accelerator has successfully used the PACT system across these cohorts, helping emerging managers raise over $1.5 billion. VC Lab is powered by Decile Group and is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, operating as a 'For Progress' company guided by the Mensarius Oath, an ethical code of conduct for venture capitalists that prioritizes ethical investing and responsible innovation. For more information, visit https://govclab.com.