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Key people at Next Wave Impact.
Next Wave Impact is a movement driving impact, diversity, and inclusion in early-stage investing and the entrepreneurial ecosystem through a progressive fund model.
Key people at Next Wave Impact.
Next Wave Impact is an early-stage investment firm and movement focused on driving diversity, inclusion, and positive social and environmental impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its mission is to engage, educate, and invest in diverse angel investors and underrepresented entrepreneurs, particularly women and people of color, through a progressive "learning-by-doing" fund model. The firm invests in high-growth companies with scalable business models that deliver competitive financial returns alongside social impact. Over three years, Next Wave Impact has built a diversified portfolio of 15 companies led entirely by women and people of color, spanning various industries and geographies[1][2][3].
Founded in 2015 by Dr. Alicia Robb, an economist and seasoned expert in entrepreneurial finance, Next Wave Impact evolved from pilot programs in the U.S. and Europe that trained nearly 200 women angel investors. The firm is led by a committee of ten women and currently includes 99 women investors, 25 of whom are women of color. This leadership and investor base reflects its commitment to increasing representation in early-stage investing. The firm has made 6-8 investments annually in its initial years and is now focused on follow-on investments to support portfolio growth[2][4][6].
Next Wave Impact rides the growing trend of impact investing combined with diversity and inclusion in venture capital. The timing is critical as the startup ecosystem increasingly recognizes the value of diverse leadership and socially responsible business models. Market forces such as heightened awareness of social equity, demand for sustainable innovation, and the rise of women and minority entrepreneurs create a favorable environment for Next Wave’s model. By educating new angel investors and backing underrepresented founders, Next Wave helps to reshape the early-stage investment landscape, promoting more equitable access to capital and fostering innovation that addresses societal challenges[1][2][3].
Looking ahead, Next Wave Impact is poised to expand its influence by deepening follow-on investments and scaling its learning-by-doing model globally. Trends such as increased emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, the growth of diverse entrepreneurship, and the democratization of angel investing will likely shape its trajectory. The firm’s continued focus on building a diverse investor community and supporting impact-driven startups positions it as a catalyst for systemic change in early-stage investing. Its evolution will be important to watch as it helps create a more inclusive and impactful venture ecosystem[1][2][3][6].
