“Can a single API layer become the definitive infrastructure for SNAP EBT and government benefits payments across U.S. e-commerce?”
Founded in 2019, Forage Technology Corporation was purpose-built as the 'Stripe for government benefits' — specifically targeting the underserved SNAP EBT (food stamps) online payments market. Rather than pivoting away from its original thesis, Forage has doubled down on government benefits infrastructure, expanding from a handful of online grocers to major platforms like Uber Eats and Adyen-powered retailers. The company positions itself as mission-driven payments infrastructure, bridging the gap between the $100B+ U.S. government benefits market and modern e-commerce.
Forage discloses Blue Ridge Bank as its banking provider, according to the Embedded Finance Index 2026.
Forage does not disclose a bank charter of its own; its banking services are provided through Blue Ridge Bank.
Forage processes payments through Forage (self-operated) and Adyen.
The Embedded Finance Index 2026 maps 3 layers in Forage's stack: Payments / PSP (Forage (self-operated) and Adyen); Banking / BaaS (Blue Ridge Bank); Sponsor bank (Blue Ridge Bank).
Forage was founded by Ofek Lavian and is founded in 2019, headquartered in San Francisco, CA.
Forage has raised $22M+ in total (latest round: Series A (extended), 2022).
Get a read on where your own stack stands against Forage and the rest of its category — what they built versus bought, which providers they use, and where the gaps in your own strategy and competitive set actually are.