Forward Networks
Forward Networks builds a mathematically accurate network digital twin platform (Forward Enterprise) for Fortune 500 enterprises, government agencies, and service providers, with support for 30+ vendors, agentic AI (Forward AI), and change-simulation (Forward Predict) capabilities across hybrid and multi-cloud networks.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersSanta Clara, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Forward Networks does
Forward Networks is a private enterprise software company founded in 2013 by four Stanford PhDs and headquartered in Santa Clara, California. The company builds a mathematically accurate "network digital twin" — a verified model of every device, path, and policy across a customer's entire hybrid network — under its flagship Forward Enterprise platform. The platform spans on-premises, multi-cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and Kubernetes environments, supports 30+ network and security vendors, and covers Layer 2 through Layer 7 protocols. Forward Networks serves networking, security, cloud, and compliance teams at Fortune 500 enterprises and government agencies, with named customers including Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, PayPal, Verizon, Vodafone, IBM, Dell, S&P Global, Fiserv, Cox, Paramount, StoneX, CarFax, TradeWeb, and IG. Per IDC, customers realize an average of $14.2 million in annual benefits and 80% MTTR reduction, 80% audit time saved, and 90% app deploy time saved.
The company's product surface is anchored by Forward Enterprise and extended by Forward AI (an agentic AI capability announced January 2026, scheduled for GA April 2026, supporting Model Context Protocol), Forward Predict (change-simulation add-on), the NQE (Network Query Engine) query language, and the Forward API for programmatic access. GTM is sales-led and enterprise-focused, anchored on a "Request a Demo" funnel and supported by a 30+ technology partner ecosystem (Cisco, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, HPE, Juniper, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Check Point, F5, Arista, etc.), a Customer Success Team, and the Forward Networks Online Community with the gamified Forward Quest program. Forward Networks has 101-250 employees, an engineering hub in Bangalore, and a newly opened Japan office (February 2026) alongside continued European expansion.
Commercial model is enterprise software subscription, delivered as SaaS (99% availability SLA) or on-premises, with quote-based pricing, optional Premium Support for a fee, and a meaningful shift toward multi-year contracts (multi-year deal volume up 175% in FY2025). Financial services is the strongest vertical, with 30% growth in new financial services and technology customers in FY2025. The company has raised approximately $112M across four funding rounds, the most recent being a $50M Series D in January 2023 led by MSD Partners with Section 32 participation, and is led by co-founder/CEO David Erickson, co-founder/CTO Brandon Heller, co-founder/Chief AI Officer Nikhil Handigol, and CRO Bobby Condon (appointed November 2025). The company has earned 25+ industry awards, including four consecutive years as GigaOm Radar for Network Validation Outperformer and recognition as a Gartner Cool Vendor.
Forward Networks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Forward Networks
- Legal name
- Forward Networks, Inc.
- Website
- https://forwardnetworks.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Forward Networks builds a mathematically accurate network digital twin platform (Forward Enterprise) for Fortune 500 enterprises, government agencies, and service providers, with support for 30+ vendors, agentic AI (Forward AI), and change-simulation (Forward Predict) capabilities across hybrid and multi-cloud networks.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Forward Networks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Network Management Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Networking, Multiplayer & Backend Middleware (MPAFAFAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Network Management (LAN/WAN/Wi‑Fi) Services (BPAEABAD), Network Architecture & Design Services (BPAEAEAA), Data Sharing, Data Exchange & Data Marketplace Platforms (HDAEABAH)
Keywords
Where Forward Networks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Clara
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Forward Networks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Forward Networks Software Subscription: Recurring subscription for Forward Enterprise software, delivered either as SaaS (Forward Networks SaaS Service with 99% availability SLA) or as on-premises licensed software; subscription terms are set per Order Form and include Standard Support.
- Premium Support and Professional Services: Premium 24-hour Support services available for an additional fee beyond the included Standard Support, plus additional professional services that may be purchased for a fee.
- Multi-year Contracts: Multi-year deal volume surged 175% in FY2025, indicating expansion of longer-term subscription commitments from enterprise and government buyers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Standard Support included with subscription |
| Subscription | Annual | Premium Support (24-hour, fee-based) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Multi-year enterprise contracts |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels11 records
Forward Networks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Forward Networks builds and sells Forward Enterprise, a software platform that creates a mathematically accurate network digital twin of an organization's entire hybrid network (on-premises, multi-vendor, multi-cloud, and Kubernetes). The platform provides networking, security, cloud, and compliance teams with a single verified model of how the network actually behaves, enabling path search, policy verification, change validation, and compliance reporting. Capabilities include Forward AI (agentic AI), Forward Predict (change simulation), and NQE (Network Query Engine), delivered via SaaS or on-premises subscription.
Product overview
Forward Networks offers a single unified platform product called Forward Enterprise, built around a mathematically accurate Network Digital Twin of the customer's entire hybrid network. The platform is augmented by two distinct add-on capabilities: Forward AI (an agentic AI layer launched in January 2026 that enables conversational queries and automated workflows, with Model Context Protocol support for third-party integration) and Forward Predict (a network change simulation capability that lets users validate changes before deployment). Developer access is provided via the Forward API, and a proprietary query language called NQE (Network Query Engine) allows custom analytics over the digital twin. Supporting services include Standard Support and Premium Support, as well as the Forward Quest community/learning program. Forward AI is scheduled for general availability in April 2026 as part of the Forward Enterprise platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Forward Enterprise: Flagship network digital twin platform providing a mathematically accurate model of the entire hybrid network for networking, security, cloud, and compliance teams.
- Forward AI
- Forward Predict
Products and services
- Forward Enterprise Flagship platform that builds a mathematically accurate digital twin model of an organization's entire hybrid network (multi-vendor, multi-cloud, on-prem, Kubernetes). Provides networking, security, cloud, and compliance teams a single verified model of how the network actually behaves, enabling path search, topology analysis, policy verification, change validation, and compliance reporting.
- Forward AI Agentic AI capability built on the Forward Enterprise platform that lets users ask the twin natural-language questions, validate changes, understand actual network behavior, and automate workflows with evidence-backed recommendations. Supports Model Context Protocol (MCP) for third-party developer and enterprise integration.
- Forward Predict Network change simulation capability built on the mathematically accurate digital twin. Enables users to simulate changes and predict their outcomes on network behavior before they are deployed to the live production network. Marketed with the tagline 'Move Fast. Break Nothing.'
- Forward API Developer-facing API for programmatic access to Forward Networks data, allowing retrieval of network devices, interfaces, IP addresses, subnets, paths, NQE query results, and other network model information. Supports API logs/auditing and integration with third-party tools such as Power BI.
- Forward Networks Premium Support Premium 24-hour paid access to the Customer Care Team via the Customer Care Center, with accelerated target response times for high-priority issues, including 30-minute initial response for Critical (P0) issues and 1-hour response for High (P1) issues.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80% reduction in Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR) using Forward's search functionality
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Forward Networks
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Forward Networks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration24 records
AI capability6 records
Feature7 records
Forward Networks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Strategic Partners in JapancoreForward Networks established local strategic partnerships in Japan as part of its 2026 market expansion to support Japanese enterprises with network security, compliance, and AI-enabled automation.
- CiscoflagshipMulti-vendor integration partner. Forward Enterprise collects and models Cisco device state and configuration (including show command outputs used by NQE) and is featured on Forward Networks' Technology Partners page. Cisco and Forward Networks are also recognized as peers in the intent-based networking market.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)flagshipCloud platform integration partner. Forward Enterprise models AWS environments as part of its multi-cloud digital twin (on-prem, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Kubernetes) and lists AWS on its Technology Partners page.
- Microsoft AzureflagshipCloud platform integration partner. Forward Enterprise models Microsoft Azure environments as part of its multi-cloud digital twin, supporting Layer 2-Layer 7 protocols across hybrid infrastructure.
- Google CloudflagshipCloud platform integration partner. Forward Enterprise models Google Cloud environments as part of its multi-cloud digital twin and lists Google Cloud on its Technology Partners page.
- Juniper NetworksflagshipNetwork device integration partner with dedicated Juniper knowledge base articles in the Forward Networks Community. Forward Enterprise ingests Juniper device state and configuration for digital twin modeling.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)flagshipNetwork device integration partner featured on Forward Networks' Technology Partners page; HPE/Aruba switches are supported by Forward Enterprise for digital twin modeling.
- Arista NetworksflagshipNetwork device integration partner featured on Forward Networks' Technology Partners page; Arista switches and wireless controllers are supported by Forward Enterprise.
- Palo Alto NetworksflagshipSecurity vendor integration partner featured on Forward Networks' Technology Partners page. Forward Enterprise models Palo Alto Networks security policies as part of network digital twin policy verification.
- FortinetflagshipSecurity vendor integration partner with a dedicated Fortinet knowledge base in the Forward Networks Community. Forward Enterprise ingests Fortinet device state, including vdoms and tacacs+ configuration, for digital twin modeling.
- Check Point SoftwarecoreSecurity vendor integration partner featured on Forward Networks' Technology Partners page; Check Point firewall configuration is modeled by Forward Enterprise.
- F5coreApplication delivery / load-balancer integration partner featured on Forward Networks' Technology Partners page; F5 devices are supported by Forward Enterprise.
- A10 NetworkscoreNetwork device integration partner with a dedicated A10 knowledge base in the Forward Networks Community; A10 devices are supported by Forward Enterprise.
- VMwarecoreVirtualization and Kubernetes integration partner featured on Forward Networks' Technology Partners page; Forward Enterprise models VMware/Kubernetes environments.
- Aruba NetworkscoreNetwork device integration partner featured on Forward Networks' Technology Partners page; Aruba wireless/switching infrastructure supported by Forward Enterprise.
- ServiceNowcoreITSM / CMDB integration partner with a dedicated ServiceNow CMDB knowledge base in the Forward Networks Community for integrating network digital twin data into ServiceNow.
- HubSpotcoreCRM, lead management, and email marketing platform integrated into Forward Networks' website and marketing operations (HubSpot Email, HubSpot CRM, HubSpot Lead Management).
- SalesforcecoreCRM platform (Salesforce Sales Cloud) used by Forward Networks for user database management and sales operations.
- IntercomcoreCustomer communication platform integrated into Forward Networks' website for user messaging and support.
- Google (Analytics, Ads, Tag Manager, YouTube)coreMarketing analytics, paid search conversion tracking, tag management and YouTube video embedding integrated on Forward Networks' website.
- LinkedIncoreLinkedIn conversion tracking, website retargeting and social widgets integrated into Forward Networks' website and marketing operations.
- OktacoreIdentity and SSO provider (Okta) used for authentication on the Forward Networks Community platform via SAML and OpenID Connect.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Forward Networks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- IP Fabric: IP Fabric provides automated multi-vendor network assurance and a network source-of-truth model, competing directly with Forward Enterprise in enterprise network observability and compliance use cases.
- Itential: Itential offers multi-vendor network automation and orchestration with a network model abstraction, overlapping with Forward Networks on intent-based automation and digital twin-style representations of enterprise networks.
- Batfish (open source / Intentionet): Batfish is an open-source network configuration analysis tool for multi-vendor verification; the commercial Intentionet product competes head-on with Forward's mathematical verification of network behavior.
- NetBox Labs: NetBox Labs commercializes the NetBox network source-of-truth and automation platform, serving as an adjacent network modeling and digital twin competitor in enterprise infrastructure.
- Apstra (Juniper Apstra): Juniper's Apstra delivers intent-based networking and multi-vendor network validation with a closed-loop assurance model, making it the closest functional analog to Forward Enterprise's network digital twin.
Broad incumbents
- Cisco (Catalyst Center / Nexus Dashboard): Cisco bundles network assurance, intent-based networking, and observability into Catalyst Center and Nexus Dashboard, offering overlapping capabilities as part of its broad enterprise networking portfolio while also being a Forward Networks technology partner.
- Juniper Mist AI: Juniper's Mist AI-driven networking platform combines AIOps, assurance, and digital experience monitoring across campus and data center, positioning it as a broad incumbent alternative to Forward's multi-vendor twin.
- VMware NSX / VMware Avi Networks: VMware NSX and Avi Networks provide network virtualization, load balancing, and assurance across multi-cloud environments, overlapping with Forward's hybrid and Kubernetes modeling capabilities.
- Nokia (NetGuard / EAA): Nokia's NetGuard cybersecurity and EAA (Evolved Analytics Architecture) offer network analytics and assurance at carrier scale, competing with Forward's service-provider and telecom digital twin use cases.
Others
- Tufin: Tufin is a network security policy management vendor whose policy verification capabilities overlap with Forward's policy modeling in the digital twin, making it thematically adjacent rather than a direct product substitute.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Forward Networks social profiles
Digital presenceForward Networks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Forward Networks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Forward Networks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors8 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Forward Networks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Forward Networks
What does Forward Networks do?
Forward Networks builds and sells Forward Enterprise, a software platform that creates a mathematically accurate network digital twin of an organization's entire hybrid network (on-premises, multi-vendor, multi-cloud, and Kubernetes). The platform provides networking, security, cloud, and compliance teams with a single verified model of how the network actually behaves, enabling path search, policy verification, change validation, and compliance reporting. Capabilities include Forward AI (agentic AI), Forward Predict (change simulation), and NQE (Network Query Engine), delivered via SaaS or on-premises subscription.
Is Forward Networks a public or private company?
Forward Networks is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Forward Networks founded?
Forward Networks was founded in 2013. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Forward Networks based?
Forward Networks is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States, in the North America region.
How does Forward Networks make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Forward Networks Software Subscription is the primary driver. The others are premium Support and Professional Services and multi-year Contracts.
Who are Forward Networks's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are IP Fabric, Itential, Batfish (open source / Intentionet), NetBox Labs and Apstra (Juniper Apstra). Broad incumbents are Cisco (Catalyst Center / Nexus Dashboard), Juniper Mist AI, VMware NSX / VMware Avi Networks and Nokia (NetGuard / EAA). Tufin is listed as an others.
Does Forward Networks have an API?
Yes. Forward Networks offers a Forward API used by developers and customers to programmatically retrieve network data (devices, interfaces, IPs, paths, NQE query results, snapshots). The community references Forward API topics, API logs (user/activity auditing), and API-related automation including integration with Power BI. The product supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), exposing network data and verification capabilities to third-party developers and enterprise integrations. General availability of MCP-enabled Forward AI is scheduled for April 2026. Developer documentation is at fwd.app/docs.
What industry is Forward Networks in?
Forward Networks's product category is Network Management Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAFAE, Networking, Multiplayer & Backend Middleware, with a secondary code of BPAEABAD, Network Management (LAN/WAN/Wi‑Fi) Services. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7372.