Primary care player Forward shutters after raising $400M, rolling out CarePods (Fierce Healthcare)

Primary care disruptor Forward has announced an abrupt shutdown, closing its locations, canceling scheduled visits, and disabling its mobile app. Founded in 2016 as a direct primary care provider that operated on a cash-pay model, Forward reached a $1 billion valuation and raised over $657 million in funding. The company previously expanded into AI-driven CarePods, self-serve kiosks aimed at automating medical check-ups, but now its nearly 200 employees will lose their jobs. Forward promises to guide patients in accessing their medical records and transitioning care as operations cease.