Betsy Fore

Betsy Fore is a seasoned venture-backed founder, operator, and investor with more than twenty years of experience.

As the Founding Partner at Velveteen Ventures, she focuses on investing in children and climate for the next seven generations.

Betsy, the first Native American Turtle Mountain Chippewa, successfully raised a Series A exceeding $20 million for her company.

She actively contributes to the Tufts School Innovation Council and collaborates with Michelle Obama on the Veggies Early & Often initiative promoting food equity.

Acknowledged for her entrepreneurial prowess, Betsy represented the US Embassy as an entrepreneurial ambassador under the Obama administration.

Her speaking engagements span prestigious platforms like Google, CES, TEDx, and the World Economic Forum, showcasing her thought leadership in business and innovation.

Additionally, she has been a notable judge at the MIT Startup Competition and the Food is Medicine Global Summit.

Betsy has been recognized for her impactful work by Entrepreneur's 100 Women of Impact, BBC's 100 Most Inspiring Women, Chief's Top 50 Execs, and Forbes' 30 under 30.

In the realm of investments, Betsy serves as an investment partner at XFactor Ventures, actively supporting female-founded companies, and is also a partner at LongJump, a fund dedicated to backing underrepresented founders.

With a portfolio of over 100 companies, Betsy holds board positions on four prominent boards, leveraging her expertise to drive strategic growth.

As a three-time founder, Betsy has built two multi-million dollar brands and a non-profit organization, showcasing her entrepreneurial acumen and business savvy.

Her ventures include the successful brands Tiny Organics and WonderWoof, both receiving widespread acclaim and media coverage, with WonderWoof even earning a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things list.

Betsy's earlier experiences at Mind Candy in London and with renowned companies like Mattel and Hasbro have honed her skills in product development and brand building.

She co-founded Natives Rising, a nonprofit committed to enhancing Indigenous representation in the tech and entrepreneurship sectors, advocating for diversity and inclusion.

Betsy's dedication lies in empowering future founders with innovative ideas, shaping the landscape for generations to come.

In terms of education, Betsy studied Oil Painting at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Her extensive background in both the arts and design has enriched her creative approach to entrepreneurship and investment.

Throughout her career, Betsy has been associated with various organizations and held leadership roles that have contributed significantly to her professional journey.