About Us - August Forward

Who We Are

August Forward Capital (AFC) is a multi-strategy investment fund founded in 2024 and based in Washington, DC. AFC’s leadership has a track record of building multiple successful businesses in the public affairs space in D.C. and around the world. With AFC, we’re tapping this experience and market expertise, exploring new opportunities, and supporting entrepreneurship. Through equity partnership, financing, and consulting, we’re also a business partner, leveraging the same data systems we’ve built over 20 years to help public affairs clients to now grow a dynamic portfolio of assets.

Our investment strategy is built around our expertise in how Washington works and the intersection of politics, government, regulatory bodies, and private enterprise. We support entrepreneurs who create opportunity, shape outcomes, and impact business in Washington and beyond. We’ve also built a vast network that allows us to find opportunity around the country to support founders in a diverse set of industries. Here we focus on seed investing, private capital, asset management, and equity.

We seek to apply what we’ve learned about building successful businesses since 2013 to help those beginning or advancing their own entrepreneurial journey. Together, we’ve built and exited one political company that has operated for more than a decade, employed over 70 people, and had revenues of nearly $20 million per election cycle. We’ve built a public affairs company that has achieved organic growth recognized by the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing private companies in America, entered into a holding company, sold a minority share to a private fund, launched several new subsidiaries, and grown its value by 600%.

Private Equity / Pre-Seed: We invest in early-stage companies, typically in the first or second round of capital from pre-seed through Series A. Our strategy is industry-agnostic, emphasizing partnership to drive growth. We aim to implement strong internal systems, expand revenue streams, and enhance cash returns.

Private Lending: We provide short-term financing and revolving lines of credit to support entrepreneurs and businesses. Our loan portfolio assists companies with bridge financing, project cash flow improvements, equipment financing, and unlocking value through liquidity.

Public Equities: Our long-term investment portfolio leverages over 20 years of expertise in political risk research. By utilizing comprehensive data sets and analytical tools, we identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities in the public markets.

What We Do

Leadership

Joe Pounder

CEO

Joe Pounder has built several successful public affairs firms, including Bullpen Strategy Group (BSG) which has grown to more than 60 people with locations in Washington, D.C., London, and Dallas serving U.S. and international clients. In 2023 and 2024, BSG was recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. At Bullpen, he has done six deals to grow the firm, including joining a large public affairs holding company and launching a technology group. He also helped found two investment funds focused on early-stage companies.

Most recently, he served as a senior advisor for Sen. Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign. In 2012, he served as the Research Director and Deputy Communications Director at the Republican National Committee. While managing the $3.5 million, 27-person operation, he was named by GQ Magazine as one of the 50 most powerful people in Washington. Pounder joined the RNC from the office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, where he served as Communications Director. Previously, he served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Sen. Rubio’s successful 2010 bid for the United States Senate.

Before joining the Rubio campaign, Pounder worked for then-House Republican Whip Eric Cantor in 2009 where he was named one of Politico’s “50 Politicos to Watch.” Previously, he was Director of Rapid Response for Gov. Mitt Romney’s 2007 presidential primary campaign and later served in the same capacity for Sen. John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. Pounder is also a veteran of the George W. Bush Administration, where he was Deputy Associate Director of the White House Office of Communications. Pounder is a graduate of George Washington University.