Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Next Legacy Partners is a venture capital firm formed through the merger of Next Play Capital and Legacy Venture. Established to democratize access to venture capital, the firm is based in the United States and serves a diverse community of philanthropists, athletes, cultural luminaries, and venture capitalists. The organization aims to create a positive impact by backing leading early-stage venture capital firms and enterprising founders.
Currently, Next Legacy Partners manages approximately $3.65 billion in assets under management (AUM) and has a portfolio comprising 21 companies. The firm operates multiple funds, including the Flagship Fund, which focuses on concentrated positions in established fund managers; the Emerging Leaders Fund, which supports early-stage managers; and the Inflection Fund, which invests alongside premier fund managers in early-stage breakout companies. This structure allows the firm to leverage its extensive network to enhance growth opportunities for its portfolio companies.
Next Legacy Partners has made significant strides in the venture capital space since its inception, with a commitment to linking diverse thinking with contrarian venture returns. The firm has directed $3 billion to nonprofits, showcasing its dedication to social impact alongside financial returns.
Next Legacy Partners invests primarily in access-constrained venture funds and venture-backed companies across various sectors, including fintech, consumer, healthcare, climate, data infrastructure, and digital health. The firm targets multiple stages of investment, ranging from pre-seed to Series B, allowing it to engage with startups at different points in their growth trajectories.
The investment strategies employed by Next Legacy Partners include the Flagship Fund, which concentrates on established fund managers, and the Emerging Leaders Fund, which backs early-stage managers to drive contrarian venture returns. Additionally, the Inflection Fund invests alongside premier fund managers in early-stage breakout companies, particularly in the enterprise, consumer, and fintech sectors. This multi-faceted approach enables the firm to diversify its investments while maintaining a focus on impactful ventures.
Next Legacy Partners seeks founders who demonstrate resilience, innovative thinking, and a commitment to creating positive change. The firm values collaboration and community, often providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and connections to enhance growth opportunities for its portfolio companies.
Next Legacy Partners has a diverse portfolio of 21 companies, showcasing its commitment to various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Next Legacy Partners' commitment to investing in innovative companies that address pressing societal challenges while also generating strong financial returns.
Ben Choi, Managing Partner - Ben has over three decades of experience in technology and venture capital. He manages more than $3.5 billion in investments and has a background that includes pre-product-market-fit investments in companies like Marketo and CourseHero. He also held leadership roles at Adobe Creative Cloud and founded CoffeeTable.
Kelli Cullinane, Managing Partner, CFO, CCO - Kelli oversees financial management and reporting at Next Legacy Partners. She has extensive experience in fund-of-funds operations, having previously managed multi-asset-class funds at HRJ Capital.
Ryan Nece, Managing Partner - Ryan founded Next Play Capital in 2015 and has a strong focus on providing access to venture capital for diverse communities. His investment experience includes notable companies such as Impossible Foods, Flexport, and Peloton.
Amber Puebla, Sr. Experience Manager - Amber plays a key role in enhancing the experience for portfolio companies and stakeholders.
Caleagh Creech, Principal - Caleagh focuses on investment strategies and supports the firm's portfolio companies.
Chris Doppman, Head of Investor Relations - Chris manages relationships with investors and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and engagement.
Don Rhoda, VP of Finance - Don oversees financial operations and reporting for the firm.
Hillary Cook, Principal - Hillary has a background in venture capital fund investing and previously worked at Sapphire Ventures, committing over $150 million per year to early-stage VC funds.
Jessie Jia Guo, Investment Partner - Jessie invests across the Flagship and Emerging Leaders strategies, bringing experience from CICC and China Renaissance.
Josh Lee, Assistant Controller - Josh supports financial operations and reporting.
Kathryn Zekus, Director of Philanthropy - Kathryn manages philanthropic initiatives and community engagement.
Laura Gilson, Executive Assistant - Laura provides administrative support to the leadership team.
Margaret Luna, Vice President - Margaret plays a key role in investment strategy and portfolio management.
Mike Tran, Assistant Controller - Mike assists with financial operations and reporting.
Rene Capron, VP of Finance - Rene oversees financial management and reporting.
Rachael Dickson, Director of Finance Operations - Rachael manages finance operations and reporting.
Scott Hunter, Director of Accounting - Scott oversees accounting operations for the firm.
Shannon Berry, Investor Relations Associate - Shannon supports investor relations and communication.
Shannon Rowland, Chief of Staff - Shannon manages operations and strategic initiatives for the firm.
Ty Montgomery, Associate, Network and Investments - Ty focuses on network development and investment strategies.
Whitney Lemmon, Principal - Whitney specializes in venture capital fund investing and has a background in impact investing and venture relationships.
Founders interested in pitching to Next Legacy Partners should submit their proposals through the firm's website at nextlegacy.com. It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with the firm's focus on social impact and democratizing access to venture capital.
Next Legacy Partners prefers to see pitches that highlight existing traction and a strong lead investor already involved in the funding round. This approach increases the likelihood of engagement, as the firm typically invests alongside established fund managers.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process. Warm introductions through mutual connections in the venture capital community can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In April 2024, Next Legacy Partners participated in Coalesce's $50 million Series B funding round, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative data transformation companies.
In February 2025, the firm was involved in Little Otter's $9.5 million financing round, further emphasizing its focus on mental health and family support platforms.
Next Legacy Partners also participated in Hex Technologies' $70 million Series C funding round in May 2025, highlighting its interest in collaborative data analytics and AI-powered solutions.
Additionally, the firm continues to publish a weekly newsletter that provides updates on impactful micro and macroeconomic news and hosts a podcast series featuring discussions with founders and industry leaders, available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
What are Next Legacy Partners' investment criteria?
Next Legacy Partners focuses on investing in access-constrained venture funds and venture-backed companies across sectors such as fintech, healthcare, consumer, climate, data infrastructure, and digital health. They target stages from pre-seed to Series B.
How can founders pitch to Next Legacy Partners?
Founders can pitch Next Legacy Partners through their website at nextlegacy.com. It is advisable to have a strong lead investor already involved in the round, as Next Legacy typically invests alongside established fund managers.
What makes Next Legacy Partners different from other venture capital firms?
Next Legacy Partners combines venture returns with social impact, focusing on democratizing access to venture capital. They leverage a diverse network of philanthropists, athletes, and cultural luminaries to enhance growth opportunities for their portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Next Legacy Partners invests alongside premier fund managers, suggesting that check sizes may vary based on the round and relationship with the lead investor.
What is the geographic focus of Next Legacy Partners?
The firm primarily focuses on the United States but has exposure to a broader range of companies through its underlying venture managers.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Next Legacy Partners have?
Next Legacy Partners adds value through strategic guidance and connections, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both founders and investors.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.