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Next Level Ventures is an Iowa-based investment firm managing assets across two distinct strategies. Its Curql Funds facilitate fintech partnerships with credit unions, while its Iowa Funds allocate capital to diverse technology sectors. The firm typically invests between $0.5 million and $5.0 million, actively supporting portfolio companies from seed to growth stage with financial, operational, and networking assistance.
Next Level Ventures was established in 2013 by its Founder and Managing Partner, Craig Ibsen. The firm originated from the insight that providing strategic capital and active engagement is crucial for accelerating the growth of innovative companies. Ibsen’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the firm into a prominent regional investment entity.
The firm serves its financial investors and portfolio entrepreneurs by striving for strong returns and fostering growth. Next Level Ventures envisions making a substantial contribution to the ecosystem by backing founders and supporting organizations that cultivate promising opportunities, driving profitable outcomes for all participants.
Key people at Next Level Ventures.
Next Level Ventures is an Iowa-based investment firm founded in 2014 that focuses on strategic investments in technology companies across various development stages, with a particular emphasis on fintech and innovation-driven sectors[1][2]. Their mission centers on supporting visionary entrepreneurs who bridge financial services technology with personalized customer engagement, aiming to revolutionize how people interact with money[1]. The firm manages multiple funds, including the Curql Fund I launched in 2020, which is backed by progressive credit unions and steered by experienced venture capital leaders, reflecting a collaborative investment philosophy that blends industry expertise with a focus on fintech innovation[1].
The firm was founded by Craig Ibsen, who serves as Managing Partner, alongside partners such as Dave Tucker and Duane Harris, all based in Des Moines, Iowa[2]. Over time, Next Level Ventures has evolved to manage credit union assets and lead investments that emphasize personalized financial technology solutions, leveraging over 50 years of collective experience within its team[1][2]. This evolution highlights their commitment to fostering startups that innovate at the intersection of finance and technology.
Next Level Ventures rides the growing trend of fintech innovation, particularly the personalization of financial services through technology. The timing aligns with increasing demand for tailored financial solutions and digital transformation in banking, supported by credit unions seeking to remain competitive[1]. Market forces such as digital adoption, regulatory shifts, and consumer preference for personalized financial engagement work in their favor. By channeling credit union assets into startups, they influence the ecosystem by accelerating fintech innovation and fostering collaboration between traditional financial institutions and emerging tech companies.
Looking ahead, Next Level Ventures is poised to deepen its impact on fintech innovation, leveraging its unique position managing credit union assets and its collaborative investment model. Trends such as AI-driven personalization, embedded finance, and decentralized finance may shape their investment focus. Their influence is likely to grow as they continue bridging traditional finance with cutting-edge technology, potentially expanding their fund offerings and portfolio to capture emerging opportunities in financial services innovation.
This trajectory ties back to their core mission of revolutionizing financial engagement through thoughtful, purposeful investments that empower entrepreneurs to reshape how people manage and connect with their money[1][2].
Key people at Next Level Ventures.
Next Level Ventures has more than 26 tracked investments across 26 companies. The latest tracked deal is $500K Seed in Hyperbond Studio in February 2026.
