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Next Play Ventures is a venture capital firm founded by Jeff Weiner, the former CEO of LinkedIn, in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on investing in, coaching, and supporting entrepreneurial leaders who are building purpose-driven companies. Established to align vision with values, Next Play Ventures emphasizes a culture where doing well and doing good coexist.
The firm primarily targets early-stage investments, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, while also selectively considering later-stage growth opportunities. Next Play Ventures has a notable portfolio that includes companies across various sectors, including SaaS, fintech, healthcare, consumer, edtech, and AI. The firm is committed to developing the next generation of leaders through active coaching and mentorship.
Next Play Ventures has made significant strides in the venture capital space, with a focus on high-impact companies. The firm’s mission is to foster a community of purpose-driven leaders who can execute ambitious ideas while maintaining a strong ethical foundation.
Next Play Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies, specifically targeting pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. The firm also considers later-stage growth equity investments on a selective basis. Their investment strategy emphasizes the importance of coaching alongside capital investment, aiming to develop the next generation of leaders who can align their vision with their values.
The sectors of interest for Next Play Ventures include SaaS, fintech, healthcare, consumer, edtech, and AI. The firm seeks founders who are building purpose-driven organizations and values compassion and opportunity in their business models. This approach is designed to create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can thrive and develop their leadership skills.
Next Play Ventures looks for founders who are not only ambitious but also committed to making a positive impact through their ventures. The firm’s unique coaching model sets it apart from traditional venture capital firms, as it actively engages with portfolio companies to help them grow sustainably.
Next Play Ventures has invested in a diverse range of notable companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting purpose-driven leaders. The following companies are part of their portfolio:
Additionally, Next Play Ventures has notable exits including Slack, a workplace collaboration platform, and Brex, a fintech company. These successful investments highlight the firm’s ability to identify and support high-impact companies.
Jeff Weiner: Founding Partner. Jeff Weiner served as the CEO of LinkedIn for 11 years before founding Next Play Ventures. He brings extensive experience in leadership and organizational development, focusing on purpose-driven business practices.
Brian Rumao: Managing Director. Brian Rumao was previously the chief of staff to Jeff Weiner at LinkedIn for twelve years. He plays a key role in managing investments and supporting portfolio companies at Next Play Ventures.
Sean Mendy: Venture Partner. Sean Mendy is involved in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, contributing his expertise in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Karen Heimbecker: Executive Assistant. Karen supports the team with operational tasks and ensures smooth communication within the firm.
To pitch Next Play Ventures, founders should visit their official website at nextplayventures.com. The firm prefers pitches that include a clear articulation of the business model, the founder's vision, and how the company aligns with purpose-driven values. While specific response times are not disclosed, founders can expect a thorough review process.
Next Play Ventures values warm introductions, so leveraging connections within their network can enhance the chances of a successful pitch. Founders should prepare a comprehensive deck that highlights their leadership team, market opportunity, and impact potential.
Next Play Ventures has been actively investing in a range of notable companies, reinforcing its commitment to supporting purpose-driven leaders. Recent portfolio highlights include investments in Figma, Common Room, and Esusu. These investments showcase the firm’s focus on high-impact sectors and innovative solutions.
In addition to its investment activities, Next Play Ventures continues to emphasize its coaching model, which sets it apart from traditional venture capital firms. The firm is dedicated to helping founders develop their leadership skills and align their business practices with their values.
What are Next Play Ventures' investment criteria?
Next Play Ventures primarily invests in early-stage companies, focusing on pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. The firm also selectively considers later-stage growth equity investments. They seek founders who are building purpose-driven organizations across sectors such as SaaS, fintech, healthcare, consumer, edtech, and AI.
How can I pitch to Next Play Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to Next Play Ventures can visit their official website at nextplayventures.com for more information. The firm encourages pitches that highlight both the business model and the founder's vision and values.
What makes Next Play Ventures different from other VC firms?
Next Play Ventures emphasizes coaching alongside capital investment. This approach aims to help entrepreneurs develop as leaders and align their vision with their values, creating a supportive environment for growth.
What is the geographic focus of Next Play Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on investments within the United States, although it does not state a formal geographic limitation on its website.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Next Play Ventures has not publicly disclosed specific check sizes for their investments. However, they focus on early-stage funding, which typically involves smaller initial investments compared to later-stage rounds.
What kind of post-investment support does Next Play Ventures provide?
Next Play Ventures provides active coaching and mentorship to its portfolio companies, helping founders develop leadership skills and align their vision with their values. This support is a core aspect of their investment strategy.
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