Next Ventures

Next Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2019, dedicated to empowering individuals to lead healthier, more capable lives through innovation and access. The firm focuses on "Whole Person Health," addressing the root causes of poor and disparate health outcomes by investing in solutions that enhance human capability. They aim to redefine healthcare by aligning upstream solutions with downstream care, ultimately improving outcomes and lowering costs.

Co-founded in 2019 by former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong and seasoned executive Melanie Strong, Next Ventures emerged with a mission to invest in the burgeoning health, wellness, and technology sectors. Armstrong, a cancer survivor and founder of Livestrong, brought a deep understanding of health advocacy and a history of angel investing. Strong, with extensive experience from Nike, contributed expertise in innovative technology investments across health, wellness, and sports. The firm was founded to leverage their diverse networks and experiences as operators, athletes, and patients to drive impactful change in healthcare.

Next Ventures maintains a diverse portfolio of companies at the intersection of consumer and healthcare innovation. Notable investments include Oura Ring, a smart ring for fitness and health; Pair Team, an AI-powered care delivery system; BranchLab, an AI-native platform for pharma commercialization; and Cofertility, a human-centered egg donation platform. Other portfolio companies span areas such as precision medicine (Trial Library), active lifestyle (Outside), lab testing (Vital Biosciences), mental health (Mood Health), and human performance supplements (Momentous). The firm has also seen successful exits with companies like Powerdot and Hammerhead.

The leadership team at Next Ventures brings a unique blend of athletic achievement, operational expertise, and investment acumen. General Partner Lance Armstrong is renowned for his cycling career and philanthropic efforts in cancer research, alongside a history of successful angel investments. Melanie Strong, a Founding Partner, leverages her 17 years at Nike, where she led international businesses and digital product launches, to guide portfolio companies in go-to-market strategy and talent planning. Partner Jordan Pascasio focuses on investments at the intersection of consumer and healthcare innovation, contributing to the firm's content creation and investment strategy. This collective experience underpins the firm's approach to identifying and nurturing transformative health and wellness ventures.