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Next Wave Impact

North America, Colorado, United States, Denver

Description

Next Wave Impact is a Denver-based early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to investing in high-growth social impact companies led by diverse teams, with a strong emphasis on women and people of color. Founded with a mission to combine financial returns with measurable social and environmental impact, the firm operates with a unique model that leverages a network of experienced investors, many of whom are women, to support its portfolio companies. This collaborative approach provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a robust ecosystem.

The firm's investment strategy targets companies that are addressing critical global challenges across various sectors, including health technology, education technology, sustainable products, and fintech. Next Wave Impact is particularly recognized for its commitment to fostering diversity within the entrepreneurial landscape. For instance, their inaugural Fund I, launched in 2017, successfully invested in 20 companies, an impressive 95% of which were led by women or people of color, demonstrating their tangible impact on inclusive entrepreneurship.

Next Wave Impact focuses on early-stage opportunities, typically providing initial seed capital to promising ventures. Their typical first check sizes generally range from $100,000 to $250,000, positioning them as a crucial early supporter for emerging businesses. Beyond capital, the firm actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering mentorship and leveraging its extensive network of over 100 women investors to help founders scale their ventures and amplify their positive societal contributions.

Investor Profile

Next Wave Impact has backed more than 27 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 1 rounds, about 4% of its total and boasts 8 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Education, Software.
  • Typical check size: $100K – $250K.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (44%)
  • Series Unknown (33%)
  • Series A (7%)
  • Series B (7%)
  • Convertible Note (4%)
  • Series C (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (96%)
  • Canada (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Education
  • Software
  • Edtech
  • Saas
  • E-commerce
  • Supply Chain Management
  • College Recruiting
  • Human Resources
  • Recruiting
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Next Wave Impact frequently co-invest with?

Astia Angels
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Bisk Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Portfolia
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2
Next Act Fund
North America, Pennsylvania, United States, Pittsburgh
Co-Investments: 1
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
North America, Texas, United States, Austin
Co-Investments: 2
American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
North America, Wisconsin, United States, Madison
Co-Investments: 2
SustainVC
North America, Pennsylvania, United States, Philadelphia
Co-Investments: 2
Overton Venture Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 1
Omidyar Network
North America, California, United States, Redwood City
Co-Investments: 2
Golden Seeds
North America, New York, United States, Flushing
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Next Wave Impact often collaborate with?

JH
North America, Maryland, United States, Baltimore
Shared Deals: 1
JH
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
PZ
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 1
ED
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 2
CF
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
JM
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
SS
North America, Colorado, United States, Boulder
Shared Deals: 1
JF
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Next Wave Impact?

Localized

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Localized is a talent tech company that connects emerging talent with global employers.

College RecruitingEdTechEducationHuman ResourcesRecruiting
SeedApr 2, 2021
Amount Raised: $2,200,000
Stony Creek Colors

Springfield, Tennessee, United States

Stony Creek Colors is engaged in the production of bio-based dyes together with farmers, mills, and brands.

AgricultureAgTechFarming
Series BMar 1, 2021
Amount Raised: $9,000,000
BlocPower

Brooklyn, New York, United States

BlocPower is an energy technology startup that focuses on developing healthy, green, and smart cities.

Clean EnergyCleanTechEnergyEnergy EfficiencySmart Cities
Series AOct 6, 2020
Amount Raised: $11,848,153
Solstice

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Solstice provides turnkey customer solutions for shared solar.

Clean EnergyCleanTechEnergySaaSSolar
Convertible NoteJul 1, 2020
Amount Raised: $3,100,000
Nepris

Frisco, Texas, United States

Nepris connects educators and learners with a network of industry professionals, virtually.

Charter SchoolsE-LearningEdTechEducationInternet
Series AMar 11, 2020
Amount Raised: $4,975,000
Motivo

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Motivo connects mental health organizations with virtual clinical supervisors and licensed providers to fill mental health workforce gaps.

Health CareMental HealthPsychology
SeedDec 3, 2019
Amount Raised: $2,200,000
Localized

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Localized is a talent tech company that connects emerging talent with global employers.

College RecruitingEdTechEducationHuman ResourcesRecruiting
SeedSep 10, 2019
Amount Raised: $1,200,000
Joylux

Seattle, Washington, United States

Joylux is a health and wellness company that specializes in women's health and wellness.

Consumer ElectronicsHealth CareTherapeutics
Series UnknownSep 6, 2019
Amount Raised: $3,700,000
ConnXus

Mason, Ohio, United States

ConnXus is an IT company that develops supplier management software.

Information TechnologyProcurementSoftwareSupply Chain Management
Series UnknownJul 1, 2019
Needslist

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

NeedsList builds software solutions to power faster, more sustainable humanitarian action.

CrowdfundingE-CommerceHumanitarianMarketplaceRetailSoftwareSupply Chain Management
Series UnknownJun 17, 2019
Amount Raised: $1,000,000