Forio's Story
Forio began at MIT in the early 1990s, when co-founders Will Glass-Husain and Michael Bean met in the Sloan School’s System Dynamics Lab. Both were fascinated by the power of computer simulations to untangle complex business and policy problems. Just as importantly, they believed simulations could help people learn through direct experience rather than by being told the “right answer.”
In 2001, they founded Forio with a bold vision: to create a platform where anyone could build, share, and run web-based simulations. At the time, this approach was groundbreaking because it transformed simulations from one-off desktop models into interactive, hands-on learning experiences accessible to many.
That spirit of innovation led to lasting partnerships with leading universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Wharton. Forio’s extensive catalog, including ready-made simulations like the leadership and teamwork best-seller, Everest, and negotiation simulations including Power Plays and Tricky Tactics are now used by business schools and Fortune 500 organizations worldwide.
25 years later, Forio continues to evolve. With the Epicenter platform, Performer role-play simulations, and a growing catalog of ready-made experiences, Forio remains committed to making learning immersive, scalable, and impactful.
History of Forio
2001
Forio founded
2003
Partnership with MIT Sloan begins
2006
Partnership with The Wharton School begins
2007
Collaboration with Harvard Business School Publishing (now Harvard Business Impact) begins with Everest and Pricing simulations
2014
Epicenter launched
2017
Performer role-playing platform released
2024
Drew Marx joins Forio as CEO. Epicenter manager released. Performer AI coaching launches.
Trusted by Leading Universities and Organizations
"Forio moves fast, listens carefully, and delivers simulations that hit the mark for both our team and our learners."
Matt Lisle, Managing Director of Digital Learning, Thrive Scholars
“The simulations have been enthusiastically received across all regions, seamlessly delivered in both virtual and hybrid formats—demonstrating their remarkable adaptability in meeting the diverse needs of our learners. The experience was nothing short of exceptional.”
Training Program Manager, Pega
"The simulation is built with much thought and precision that it truly brings out the issues, strengths, and weaknesses of a team."
USAA