Joshua Henderson

Joshua Henderson is a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as the Co-founder and Managing Partner of StageNext Fund, a venture fund focused on investing in high-growth companies led by seasoned women entrepreneurs. His career spans various roles, including being an active angel investor and a fellow at On Deck Angels. He is also recognized for his commitment to addressing rare diseases and supporting underrepresented founders.

Professional Background

• StageNext Fund: As a co-founder, Henderson plays a pivotal role in guiding the fund's investment strategy, which emphasizes supporting women-led businesses. StageNext aims to leverage its extensive network to empower these entrepreneurs and facilitate access to capital.12

• Springboard Enterprises: Before establishing StageNext, Henderson was the Vice President at Springboard Enterprises, where he contributed significantly to building a global network of experts and advisors for women innovators. His efforts helped support nearly 400 high-growth companies over 12 years.12

• Pulse Infoframe: He currently serves as the Head of Rare Diseases, where he collaborates with patient advocacy groups and biopharma companies to generate high-quality data for regulatory purposes.14

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Henderson is deeply involved in initiatives that support rare disease communities. He co-founded the NW Rare Disease Coalition, which focuses on programming and education to enhance the lives of those affected by rare diseases in the Pacific Northwest.1 His work reflects a broader mission to accelerate the development of treatments for underserved patient populations.

Education

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and English from Georgetown University, where he also played a significant role in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit through initiatives like the Business Plan Competition.1

Personal Philosophy

Henderson's professional endeavors are driven by a desire to make a positive impact on society. He emphasizes the importance of human connections and relationships in his work, believing that investing in people is as crucial as investing in ideas.34