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.
NextWave Ventures is a seed to early-stage venture capital firm founded in Carlsbad, California. The firm focuses on commercializing university research and advanced technologies, operating as both founders and investors. Established to address innovation gaps in large commercial markets, NextWave Ventures leverages non-dilutive government funding to form new ventures around university-based patents.
Currently, the firm manages a diverse portfolio and has a strong emphasis on sectors such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and advanced materials. NextWave Ventures is equipped to participate in follow-on funding rounds through syndicate partnerships, ensuring ongoing support for its portfolio companies. The firm’s commitment to fostering innovation is reflected in its strategic partnerships with university labs across the United States.
NextWave Ventures invests primarily in seed to early-stage companies, with a specific focus on forming new ventures around university-based patents. Their investment strategy encompasses a variety of sectors, including ambient computing, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, digital media, IoT, and 3D bioprinting. The firm typically invests between $500K and $1.5M in seed rounds, $1M to $4M in Series A, and $5M to $7M in Series B rounds.
NextWave Ventures actively seeks to identify promising technologies through its relationships with university labs. The firm emphasizes the importance of commercializing advanced technologies and aims to fill innovation gaps in large markets. Additionally, NextWave Ventures is prepared to engage in follow-on rounds, providing continued support to its portfolio companies through syndicate partnerships.
NextWave Ventures has built a notable portfolio of companies that exemplify its focus on advanced technologies and university research commercialization. Key portfolio companies include:
These companies reflect NextWave Ventures' commitment to investing in innovative solutions that leverage university research and advanced technologies.
John M. Slosar: Managing Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and technology commercialization.
Jeff Slosar: Managing Partner who has a strong background in identifying and nurturing early-stage companies.
Sailendra Koorapati: Advisor with expertise in technology development and commercialization.
Peter Curley, PhD: Director of Technology Platforms, specializing in advanced materials and technology transfer.
Joseph Wang, PhD: Advisor in Nanobioelectronics, contributing deep technical knowledge to the firm.
Patrick Mercier, PhD: Advisor focused on wearable sensors and their applications in various industries.
Donald J. Sirbuly, PhD: Advisor in Nanostructured Piezoelectrics, bringing expertise in advanced materials.
Matthew Dzieciuch, PhD: Advisor in Complex Signal Processing, enhancing the firm's technical capabilities.
Tim Main: Chairman of JABIL, providing strategic oversight and industry insights.
Dave Sheehan: CEO of Nucleus Biologics, offering operational expertise.
Scott Dickey: CEO of The Enthusiast Network, contributing marketing and media insights.
Anthony 'Tony' J. Tether, PhD: Former Director of DARPA, bringing a wealth of experience in government and defense technologies.
John Clark: Partner at Westar Capital, providing additional investment insights.
Oscar 'Bud' Marx: Chairman of Gentherm, offering expertise in consumer products and technology.
To pitch NextWave Ventures, founders should send their proposals via email to press@nextwave.vc. It is essential to include a well-structured pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, although timelines may vary based on the volume of inquiries.
NextWave Ventures prefers warm introductions but is open to direct pitches as well. A clear articulation of how the startup aligns with their focus on university research and advanced technologies will enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
As of March 2023, NextWave Ventures has been actively investing in companies that align with its focus on advanced technologies. Recent notable investments include TRAQ, which specializes in non-invasive health tracking technology, and SmartFoam, known for its intelligent piezoelectric foam.
The firm continues to expand its portfolio by identifying promising startups that leverage university research. NextWave Ventures is also exploring opportunities to enhance its syndicate partnerships to support follow-on funding for its existing portfolio companies.
What are NextWave Ventures' investment criteria?
NextWave Ventures primarily invests in seed to early-stage companies that focus on commercializing university research and advanced technologies. They look for ventures that can leverage non-dilutive government funding and have a strong potential for growth in sectors like AI, IoT, and advanced materials.
How can I apply or pitch to NextWave Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas to NextWave Ventures by sending an email to press@nextwave.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes NextWave Ventures different from other VC firms?
NextWave Ventures differentiates itself by focusing on the commercialization of university research and advanced technologies. Their unique approach involves forming new ventures around university-based patents, which allows them to tap into innovative technologies early in their development.
What is the geographic scope of NextWave Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, leveraging relationships with university labs across the country to identify promising technologies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
NextWave Ventures invests between $500K and $1.5M in seed rounds, $1M to $4M in Series A, and $5M to $7M in Series B rounds. They also participate in follow-on funding through syndicate partnerships.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive post-investment?
NextWave Ventures provides strategic guidance and access to a network of industry experts to help portfolio companies navigate the commercialization process and scale effectively. This includes ongoing support in follow-on funding rounds.
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.