Ryan Nece

Ryan Nece is the Managing Partner at Next Play Capital, a venture capital firm he co-founded in 2015. His background includes a successful career as a professional athlete in the NFL, where he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and won a Super Bowl. Following his sports career, Nece transitioned into entrepreneurship and investment, initially working as a Principal at DeBartolo Development and later co-founding StraightCast Media, a mobile app for athletes that was sold to FOX Sports in 2014.

At Next Play Capital, Nece focuses on creating investment opportunities for diverse communities, aiming to provide access to venture capital that is often limited to traditional investors. Under his leadership, the firm has raised significant funds, including a recent $200 million for its third fund, which emphasizes investments in top-tier venture capital firms and companies.145

Nece holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from UCLA and is actively involved in community service through the Ryan Nece Foundation, which he founded to empower teens through volunteerism and philanthropy. He is also a member of the Aspen Institute's Henry Crown Fellowship and serves on the Advisory Board for DocuSign.132