Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures (NMFV) is the corporate venture capital arm of Northwestern Mutual, one of America's largest insurance and financial services companies with over $780 billion in total assets and more than five million clients. Founded in 2016, NMFV invests in fintech and insurtech startups with the dual mandate of generating financial returns and accelerating technology adoption across Northwestern Mutual's advisor network and client base. With the launch of Fund III, NMFV has deployed over $350 million across more than 50 portfolio companies since inception. A standout exit is Chime, which listed on Nasdaq in June 2025 at a valuation of approximately $11.6 billion.
NMFV invests in emerging and growth-stage companies across fintech and insurtech, with a focus on technologies that enhance the financial planning experience for clients and advisors. Core areas of interest include digital financial security tools, AI-driven relationship management, operational efficiency platforms for financial professionals, and insurance technology. The fund is particularly drawn to companies whose products can be piloted and deployed within Northwestern Mutual's own ecosystem, creating a strategic commercialization pathway alongside venture capital backing.
Fund III launched in April 2026 with a $150 million commitment from Northwestern Mutual, bringing total venture capital allocation to $350 million. Fund III targets emerging and growth-stage fintech and insurtech companies and includes follow-on capacity to support portfolio companies through scaling and market expansion.
Fund I launched in 2016 at $50 million. Fund II launched in 2019 at $150 million with additional reserve capital for follow-on investments.
Leadership
Michael Sias is Vice President of Corporate Development and Venture at Northwestern Mutual, leading NMFV's investment activities. Craig Schedler, who founded and led NMFV since inception, departed in August 2025.
Investment Strategy
NMFV combines financial investment with direct strategic partnership, enabling portfolio companies to pilot and deploy their technologies within Northwestern Mutual's advisor and client infrastructure. This creates a uniquely commercial value-add: portfolio companies gain access to Northwestern Mutual's nationwide network of financial professionals and five million clients as potential customers and distribution partners. The fund invests across emerging and growth stages and provides follow-on capital through scaling.
Notable Investments
Michael Sias — VP Corporate Development & Venture
michaelsias@northwesternmutual.com
Jameel Ahmed - Analyst
jameelahmed@northwesternmutual.com
mcrazaire@northwesternmutual.com
United States
