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Learn which startups Next Frontier Capital invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Will Price).
Next Frontier Capital operates as an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to transforming nascent industries and shaping future technologies. The firm primarily invests in companies within sectors such as artificial intelligence and data, climate solutions, deep technology, B2B software, fintech, and defense technology. They focus on identifying and supporting mission-driven founders developing innovative solutions within these key areas.
The firm was co-founded in 2015 by Richard Harjes and Will Price. Their foundational insight stemmed from recognizing the burgeoning innovation ecosystem across the Mountain West region, particularly in areas like Bozeman, Montana. They established the firm to capitalize on the region's increasing concentration of talent and capital, believing it could foster high-growth companies capable of emerging anywhere, not just traditional tech hubs.
Next Frontier Capital partners with mission-driven entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong execution track record, guiding their portfolio companies from early stages. Their vision extends to fostering the growth of the innovation cluster in the Mountain West, ultimately building the next generation of impactful technology companies. The firm remains committed to its regional focus while identifying opportunities that align with its core investment sectors.
Key people at Next Frontier Capital.
Next Frontier Capital is a venture capital firm focused on investing in mission-driven founders and companies primarily across the Mountain West region of the United States. Their investment philosophy centers on backing startups in sectors where they have deep expertise, including AI/Data, Climate, Deep Tech, B2B Software, FinTech, Defense Tech, and Cybersecurity. The firm supports entrepreneurs not only with capital but also through strategic guidance, mentorship, operational support, recruitment assistance, and extensive networking opportunities, aiming to foster innovation and growth in a region often overlooked by traditional venture capital. This regional focus helps transform the Mountain West into a vibrant tech ecosystem by nurturing local startups and connecting them to broader markets[1][2][4].
Founded in 2015 in Bozeman, Montana, Next Frontier Capital was established with the mission to "bring venture capital to the frontier," relocating from the Bay Area to invest in the Rocky Mountain region. The founding team includes key partners such as Will Price (Founder), Richard Harjes (General Partner), Franz Kofler (Partner), Kirsten Suddath (Partner), and Les Craig (General Partner), who joined in 2017 bringing expertise in cybersecurity and defense tech. Over time, the firm has expanded its geographic footprint from Montana to cover the entire Rocky Mountain region, managing approximately $250 million across four funds. Their evolution reflects a sharpened focus on sectors aligned with their partners’ backgrounds and the unique opportunities in their regional ecosystem[2][3][6].
Next Frontier Capital rides the trend of decentralizing venture capital away from traditional hubs like Silicon Valley, capitalizing on the growing startup activity in the Mountain West. The timing is favorable due to increasing regional talent, lower costs, and a desire among founders to build companies outside major metro areas. Market forces such as advances in AI, cybersecurity threats, climate tech innovation, and defense technology needs align well with their sector focus. By investing regionally and supporting startups with operational expertise, NFC influences the broader ecosystem by validating the Mountain West as a viable tech hub and helping scale companies that might otherwise be overlooked[2][4].
Next Frontier Capital is poised to continue expanding its influence as the Mountain West region grows as a technology hub. Trends in AI, cybersecurity, climate tech, and defense innovation will shape their investment focus, with increasing opportunities for startups to scale nationally and globally from this region. Their deep local knowledge combined with sector expertise positions them to remain a key player in regional venture capital, potentially inspiring similar models in other emerging tech regions. As they deploy capital from their fourth fund, NFC’s influence on the startup ecosystem will likely deepen, fostering more mission-driven innovation beyond traditional coastal centers[1][2][3].
Key people at Next Frontier Capital.
