Jeff Weiner

Jeff Weiner is a highly influential figure in the technology industry, best known for his transformative tenure as CEO and current Executive Chairman of LinkedIn. Beyond his executive leadership, Weiner is a significant investor through his role as a founding partner of Next Play Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm he co-founded. The firm's investment strategy is deeply rooted in Weiner's philosophy of fostering purpose-driven businesses that create meaningful products and services, aligning with his long-standing commitment to economic opportunity and societal impact.

Next Play Ventures primarily targets companies in their Seed to Series A stages, focusing on sectors that leverage technology to solve significant problems and drive positive change. The firm launched with a substantial debut fund, raising $100 million to deploy across its portfolio. This capital is strategically allocated to support promising startups that demonstrate strong leadership, innovative solutions, and a clear path to sustainable growth. The investment approach emphasizes active partnership with founders, leveraging the collective operational expertise of the Next Play Ventures team, including Weiner's extensive experience scaling global technology platforms.

Typical initial check sizes from Next Play Ventures range from $500,000 to $5 million, indicating a focus on providing crucial early-stage capital to help companies achieve key milestones and accelerate their development. The firm seeks to build long-term relationships with its portfolio companies, offering not just financial backing but also strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry leaders. This hands-on approach aims to empower founders to navigate the complexities of scaling a business, from product development and market entry to talent acquisition and organizational culture.

The firm's portfolio reflects its commitment to diverse and impactful ventures, spanning various industries from future of work and education to healthcare and sustainability. Jeff Weiner's involvement ensures that Next Play Ventures maintains a high standard of due diligence and a founder-centric approach, making it a valuable partner for entrepreneurs aiming to build enduring and impactful enterprises. His vision for creating economic opportunity extends directly into the firm's investment thesis, seeking out companies that can contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future.