Next Chapter Ventures (NCV) – "I simply don’t know where this is going, but that makes me happy."

Chuck Saia, Co-Founder & Managing Member

June 1, 2025

As I sat down to write my version of the story about why we started NCV, I did some self-reflection and learned a little about myself.  I love ‘I don’t know’.  I enjoy ambiguity and even thrive in it.  I don’t know, is my happy place.

I also love to connect people, help young leaders thrive and create new norms.  With these aspects in mind, NCV was born under the simple premise that there are incredibly talented people, entering or getting close to entering their next chapters after incredibly successful careers.  In collaboration with my Co-Founders I thought, I don’t know, can we pair seasoned executives with early stage Founders whose companies we invest in.  What could that produce?  Well, it has produced magic, I know that!

The talent pool has grown in NCV.  We started with 3 of us and are nearly 45 now.  We are not your typical angel group.  It’s hard to become a member.  You must share our values, share your networks, be willing to voice your opinion, and be uncomfortable at times because early-stage investing is hard.  We have big corporate types, sole proprietors, strategists, accountants, serial angel investors, technologists, a chef, a pilot, philanthropists, doctors, CEO’s, Board members and more. Most importantly we are having an immense amount of fun together.

It's also hard to get an investment from us.  We are not money driven.  We value the Founder first.  Can we work with you?  We value the assets second.  Is this a good idea?  We then see if there is money that can be made.  What is our potential exit value?

Next Chapter Ventures has been a gift.  I have been told that by our members and I feel the same way.  It has brought me closer to people I thought I knew well.  It has brought me closer to new people.  It has helped me connect people, help young leaders thrive and create new norms, which as I mentioned I love to do.

So, what’s next for NCV now that I am in my next chapter?  I don’t know which is my happy place!