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StageNext Fund is a venture capital fund established to invest in high-growth companies led by women with prior business-building experience. Founded by Amy Millman, Joshua Henderson, and Debra Filtzer, the fund has a strong foundation built on over 20 years of collaboration and a history with Springboard Enterprises. This background provides the fund with a unique perspective and access to a network of successful entrepreneurs.
Currently, StageNext Fund operates with a team of nine partners, including three managing partners. The fund has a diverse portfolio comprising over 50 companies, primarily in the technology and healthcare sectors. Although specific metrics such as fund size and AUM are not disclosed, the fund's focus on women-led ventures positions it as a significant player in the venture capital landscape.
Headquartered in Maryland, StageNext Fund aims to leverage its extensive network to access preferred deals and provide strategic support to its portfolio companies. This approach fosters an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive and succeed in their respective industries.
StageNext Fund primarily invests in high-growth companies within the technology and healthcare sectors. The fund specifically targets companies led by women who possess prior business experience, ensuring that the entrepreneurs they support have a solid foundation for success. The investment strategy emphasizes not only providing capital but also delivering value-added support to help these companies grow.
Investment stages range from Pre-Seed to Series B+, allowing the fund to engage with startups at various points in their development. Geographic focus includes the United States, Canada, and Australia, reflecting a commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs across North America and beyond. The fund's thesis centers on leveraging a strong network to access preferred deals and provide ongoing support to portfolio companies, enhancing their chances of success in competitive markets.
StageNext Fund boasts a diverse portfolio of over 50 companies, featuring notable entrepreneurs and leaders from well-known organizations such as Constant Contact, Minute Clinic, iRobot, Zipcar, EverlyWell, and Canva. While specific portfolio company names are not detailed, the fund's investments can be tracked through platforms like Parsers.vc and AngelList.
The portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting women-led ventures in technology and healthcare, aligning with the fund's investment focus. The combination of experienced entrepreneurs and innovative companies positions StageNext Fund as a key player in fostering growth within these sectors.
Amy Millman - Managing Partner. Amy is a co-founder of StageNext Fund and has a rich background as the founder of Springboard Enterprises, where she supported numerous women entrepreneurs.
Joshua Henderson - Managing Partner. Joshua is also a co-founder and has served as an advisor at Springboard Enterprises, contributing to the growth of women-led ventures.
Debra Filtzer - Managing Partner. Debra co-founded StageNext Fund and has a history of advising women entrepreneurs through her work with Springboard Enterprises.
Nancy Briefs - Venture Partner. Nancy brings extensive experience in venture capital and supports due diligence efforts for the fund.
Anna Christensen - Venture Partner. Anna contributes her expertise in evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
Debra Danielson - Venture Partner. Debra is involved in due diligence and provides operational support to portfolio companies.
Lisa Hersch - Venture Partner. Lisa focuses on supporting women-led ventures and enhancing their growth potential.
Sandra Serkes - Venture Partner. Sandra contributes her experience in venture capital to the fund's investment strategy.
Susan Yee - Venture Partner. Susan is involved in supporting portfolio companies and enhancing their operational capabilities.
To pitch StageNext Fund, founders should visit the fund's submission page at StageNext Fund's submission page. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and the founder's background. Founders should expect a response within a reasonable timeframe, although specific timelines are not disclosed. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
As of March 2026, StageNext Fund has successfully built a portfolio of over 50 companies, focusing on high-growth ventures led by women. The fund continues to engage in investments across various stages, from Pre-Seed to Series B+, and actively co-invests alongside lead investors.
StageNext Fund's unique approach, rooted in its history with Springboard Enterprises, positions it as a significant player in supporting women entrepreneurs in technology and healthcare sectors. The fund's partners remain active in the venture capital community, contributing to due diligence and ongoing support for their portfolio companies.
What are StageNext Fund's investment criteria?
StageNext Fund invests in high-growth companies led by women with prior business-building experience, primarily in the technology and healthcare sectors.
How can I apply or pitch to StageNext Fund?
Founders can submit their pitch decks through the fund's submission page at StageNext Fund's submission page.
What makes StageNext Fund different from other venture capital firms?
StageNext Fund is uniquely positioned due to its focus on women entrepreneurs and its strong network stemming from over 20 years of collaboration with Springboard Enterprises, which has supported over 800 women entrepreneurs.
What is the geographic scope of StageNext Fund's investments?
The fund primarily focuses on investments in the United States, but it also considers opportunities in Canada and Australia.
What is the fund size and check size range for investments?
Specific details regarding fund size and check size range are not disclosed, but the fund engages in investments across various stages from Pre-Seed to Series B+.
What kind of post-investment involvement does StageNext Fund have?
StageNext Fund provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through its network and expertise, contributing to due diligence and operational guidance.
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