BRUCE SOMMER, venture PARTNER

After starting three of his own companies, Bruce Sommer has led direct investments in over 40 businesses since 2004. He is also the managing partner of NextGen Ventures, a closely held private equity and venture capital fund focused on nascent technologies across a variety of industries. Bruce was a founding member of the Angel Capital Association and currently helps lead eCoast Angels, one of the oldest business angel groups in the US. Bruce has worked with hundreds of startup entrepreneurs and has been teaching entrepreneurship and venture capital at various US and international universities for over 20 years. His work on the economic impact of early-stage venturing has been published across professional journals and popular media alike. Bruce is a member of the National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers and has co-founded three non-profits missioned to build economically strong communities by empowering and resourcing startup-entrepreneurs who develop sustainable businesses that have a positive impact on society.

Education: Mr. Sommer holds a BS in Accounting from Illinois Wesleyan University and an MBA with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial Finance from the University of New Hampshire.