Gen7 Investments

Gen7 Investments is a diversified investment and portfolio management company based in Fargo, North Dakota, founded as a strategic venture of Forum Communications Company — a media organization with roots dating back to 1917. Built on over a century of experience in creating value for businesses and investors, Gen7 was established to help Forum Communications connect with new generations and diversify its portfolio beyond its traditional media holdings. The company manages and elevates a portfolio that spans consumer goods, media companies, and brand agencies, reflecting a broad mandate to identify and grow businesses across multiple verticals. Gen7's parent organization, Forum Communications, began as the owner of the Fargo Forum newspaper and grew significantly through decades of strategic acquisitions, including radio stations, printing operations, and 35 newspapers across four states. This deep heritage in media, publishing, and content creation informs Gen7's investment philosophy and operational expertise. One of Gen7's notable portfolio holdings is XSET, a gaming and lifestyle brand that bridges digital and physical culture, encompassing gaming, music, arts, sports, and fashion. XSET represents Gen7's forward-looking approach to consumer engagement, particularly among younger, digitally native audiences. The company is led by Bill Marcil Jr., a fifth-generation family publisher and President and CEO, alongside COO Bill Rouse, who brings extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, strategic capital investments, education publishing, and digital transformation. Together, the leadership team combines legacy institutional knowledge with modern business strategy. Gen7 Investments serves as the vehicle through which Forum Communications pursues growth in consumer goods and emerging media landscapes, leveraging its century-long foundation in storytelling, community engagement, and content distribution to identify and develop businesses with strong brand and cultural relevance.