Firms

Next Coast Ventures

Next Coast Ventures

nextcoastventures.comreports.adviserinfo.sec.gov

Next Coast Ventures is an Austin-based venture capital platform founded in 2015 by experienced entrepreneurs Mike Smerklo and Thomas Ball. It invests in early and growth-stage technology companies in emerging markets between the US coasts and supports founders through operating experience, platform resources, venture partners and an expert network. Its portfolio includes artificial intelligence, enterprise software, robotics, digital healthcare and cognitive assessment, including BrainCheck, Diligent Robotics, Somite AI and Loman AI. The legal adviser is Next Coast Ventures, LLC, SEC exempt reporting adviser CRD 283699 / file 802-136396 in its April 30, 2026 Form ADV; named private funds and general partners are separate legal entities. The current published core roster comprises two investment leaders, two operations professionals and eight venture partners. The larger expert network comprises outside operators and advisers, rather than 150 employees of the firm. Historic outside employment and portfolio board lists may predate exits. The firm is distinct from North Coast Ventures. Own announcements confirm $85 million Fund I, $130 million Fund II and a March 2022 $310 million close split into $195 million Fund III, $50 million Select I and $65 million entrepreneurship-through-acquisition strategy. AUM, individual LP commitments, entrepreneurs sidecar assets and company cumulative funding are not additional cash closes.

Founded
2015
Type
Venture capital

Funds7

  • NCV Select I, L.P.$50M

    Opportunity fund, USD50M component of the March29,2022 aggregate close, supports companies from Funds I–III. SEC April2026 legal vehicle identity verified.

  • Next Coast Ventures III, L.P.$195M

    Third venture fund, USD195M component of the March29,2022 USD310M aggregate close. Aggregate USD310M is not also recorded as a separate fund.

  • Next Coast Ventures II, L.P.$130M

    Second venture fund; own November 21, 2019 announcement explicitly confirms closing with USD130M new capital. Team contributions included, not a second sidecar cash close.

  • Next Coast Ventures I, L.P.$85M

    First institutional venture fund, own March 2, 2017 announcement confirms USD85M fund. This is closed fund capital rather than LP contributed capital or regulatory AUM.

  • NCV Entrepreneurs Fund I, L.P.—

    Separate entrepreneurs legal private fund reported in the adviser’s April30,2026 SEC Form ADV. Vehicle gross assets and number of LPs are not closed cash or initial offering amounts; public close size/day unverified. Not automatically aggregated as new cash in addition to institutional funds.

  • NCV Entrepreneurs Fund II, L.P.—

    Separate entrepreneurs legal private fund reported in the adviser’s April30,2026 SEC Form ADV. Vehicle gross assets and number of LPs are not closed cash or initial offering amounts; public close size/day unverified. Not automatically aggregated as new cash in addition to institutional funds.

  • NCV Entrepreneurs Fund III, L.P.—

    Separate entrepreneurs legal private fund reported in the adviser’s April30,2026 SEC Form ADV. Vehicle gross assets and number of LPs are not closed cash or initial offering amounts; public close size/day unverified. Not automatically aggregated as new cash in addition to institutional funds.

Team

Operations and support

Adam RogersAdam RogersVenture Partner
Brian SharplesBrian SharplesVenture Partner
Cotter CunninghamCotter CunninghamVenture Partner
Jason DorseyJason DorseyVenture Partner
Julian CastelliJulian CastelliVenture Partner
Julie DoddJulie DoddVenture Partner
Kaitlyn DeBernardoKaitlyn DeBernardoPartner, COO & Head of Platform
Laura SchenkeLaura SchenkeOperations Consultant
Mike SmerkloMike SmerkloCo-Founder and Managing Director
Paul RogersPaul RogersVenture Partner
Scott MillerScott MillerVenture Partner
Thomas BallThomas BallCo-Founder and Managing Director

Co-investing

S3 Ventures
UPMC Enterprises
Money Forward
Motley Fool Ventures
Nueterra Capital

Investments