NEXT VENTŪRES is a venture capital firm founded in 2019 with a mission to redefine healthcare by investing in whole-person health. Based in the United States, the firm was established by former athletes and operators who saw the disconnect between health outcomes and how the healthcare system allocates its resources. The firm positions itself at the intersection of preventive health, technology, and consumer empowerment, aiming to back founders who are building scalable solutions to extend healthspan, improve access, and shift the system from reactive “sick care” to proactive wellness.
The firm focuses exclusively on health and wellness, with a thesis around whole-person health that spans fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, mental health, social determinants, and longevity. NEXT VENTŪRES looks for startups that can influence the factors responsible for the majority of health outcomes but historically underfunded by the U.S. healthcare system.
The fund invests in early to growth-stage companies where AI, consumer demand, and new care models are converging to reshape healthcare delivery and engagement.
In September 2025, NEXT VENTŪRES announced the close of its second fund, Next Ventures II, at 60 million dollars. This fund builds on the firm’s first vehicle raised in 2019 and reinforces its strategy to partner with founders defining whole-person health.
Backed by institutional capital from the Oregon Growth Board and supported by a strategic partnership with Oregon Health & Science University, Fund II underscores the growing recognition of the sector’s opportunity. The fund is designed to capitalize on systemic changes in consumer behavior, health policy, and the application of AI in healthcare, positioning itself as a catalyst for the health sovereignty movement.
Leadership
The firm is led by its co-founders Lance Armstrong, Mel Strong, and Jordan Pascasio, each bringing experience as athletes, operators, and leaders in performance-oriented companies. Their combined expertise grounds the firm’s perspective that preventive health strategies must be integrated seamlessly into daily life and across the broader care continuum.
Investment Strategy
NEXT VENTŪRES applies a sector-specific strategy anchored in healthcare innovation and consumer empowerment. The firm seeks to partner closely with founders who share its vision of a proactive, interconnected healthcare system.
It favors companies that leverage technology, particularly AI, to enable personalization, reduce friction in care delivery, and give individuals greater ownership of their health. While investment sizes vary, the firm prioritizes companies capable of achieving broad cultural and systemic impact rather than incremental improvements within existing frameworks.
Notable Investments
The portfolio includes companies such as:
From Fund I, NEXT VENTŪRES has backed a range of teams that have expanded access to care, improved longevity, and challenged entrenched systems in the U.S. healthcare market. These companies represent diverse approaches but are united by their alignment with the whole-person health thesis.
Notable Exits
As of 2025, NEXT VENTŪRES has not publicly announced notable exits from its portfolio, reflecting its long-term focus on systemic change and value creation in healthcare.
Other
The firm emphasizes the concept of “health sovereignty,” framing its investments within a broader cultural movement that prioritizes autonomy, prevention, and longevity. This theme resonates across its public communications and investment strategy.
