Forerunner Ventures, established 13 years ago, has successfully backed consumer startups like Warby Parker and Glossier, none of which pursued traditional IPOs. Founder Kirsten Green emphasizes that alternative routes to going public are now standard, as companies like Chime consider IPOs while others like Ōura focus on growth. Green highlights the increasing importance of the secondary market for liquidity and efficient price discovery, noting Chime's fluctuating valuation. The firm aims to identify shifts in consumer behavior and invest early, adapting to a landscape where patience is vital for big returns.