Nex Cubed
Nex Cubed is a pre-seed venture accelerator and startup studio that runs bespoke programs — including the HBCU Founders Accelerator, FinTech, and Digital Health cohorts — for underrepresented founders, while managing a $40M HBCU Founders Fund and delivering corporate innovation and international programs to enterprise and government clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Nex Cubed does
Nex Cubed is a pre-seed venture accelerator and startup studio founded in 2016 and operating primarily from San Francisco (with a registered office in La Jolla, California). The firm's mission is to invest in and accelerate underrepresented founders — Black, female, and Latin — who collectively receive less than 2% of all US venture capital funding. It runs a portfolio of programs including the bespoke 4-month HBCU Founders Accelerator, industry-specific accelerators in FinTech and Digital Health, International Programs preparing non-US startups for US market entry, and Corporate Innovation Programs delivered to enterprise and government clients. Nex Cubed has accelerated more than 300 companies since inception, made 80+ investments, and built a network of 220+ mentors and lead advisors.
The firm's core economic engine combines three revenue streams: (1) management fees and carried interest from the $40 million HBCU Founders Fund, anchored by Costco Wholesale ($5 million) and joined by Bank of America and NCInvest, with White House recognition via the NCInvest SSBCI 2.0 Venture Capital Program; (2) corporate innovation advisory and bespoke accelerator mandates sold directly to enterprises such as GE Healthcare, Franklin Templeton, Costco, and Bank of America; and (3) government and trade-body contracts (Government of Canada, Enterprise Singapore, Luxembourg, Born2Global Korea) that fund international cohort programs. Distribution is application-based for founders and relationship-driven for corporate and government partners, supported by content marketing, earned media, portfolio showcases, and a virtual-first operating model that has enabled global reach since inception.
Operationally, Nex Cubed is a lean organization of 11–50 employees led by CEO Marlon Evans, Co-Founder and President Kip Quackenbush, and Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer Kelsey Morgan Pasqualichio, with vertical leadership (Managing Directors for FinTech and Digital Health) and a Chief Strategy Officer (former RocketSpace CEO Duncan Logan). The company is structured as Nex Cubed Investment Management, LLC, a California LLC registered as an SEC exempt reporting adviser. Reported portfolio outcomes include 5000+ jobs created and $500M+ in capital raised by portfolio companies, with 65% of portfolio companies led by underrepresented founders.
Nex Cubed firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nex Cubed
- Legal name
- Nex Cubed Investment Management, LLC
- Website
- https://nex3.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Nex Cubed is a pre-seed venture accelerator and startup studio that runs bespoke programs — including the HBCU Founders Accelerator, FinTech, and Digital Health cohorts — for underrepresented founders, while managing a $40M HBCU Founders Fund and delivering corporate innovation and international programs to enterprise and government clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nex Cubed industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Venture Acceleration Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (61171), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)
- SIC
- Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD), Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)
Keywords
Where Nex Cubed is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Francisco
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Nex Cubed business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Fund Management — HBCU Founders Fund: Nex Cubed manages a $40 million HBCU Founders Fund, investing in startups where at least one founder is an HBCU student, alumni, or faculty member. Revenue is generated through fund management fees and carried interest on portfolio returns.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Nex Cubed product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Nex Cubed is a pre-seed venture accelerator and startup studio that runs bespoke acceleration programs (including the HBCU Founders Accelerator, FinTech, and Digital Health verticals), provides corporate innovation advisory and venture scouting services, delivers international startup acceleration for non-US founders entering the US market, and manages a $40 million HBCU Founders Fund that invests in startups with at least one HBCU-connected founder. Services include custom curriculum, paid advisor matching, mentorship, investor network access, and milestone-based support.
Product overview
Nex Cubed operates as a pre-seed venture accelerator and startup studio focused on supporting underrepresented founders. The company offers a portfolio of programs including the HBCU Founders Accelerator (a bespoke 4-month program for HBCU students and alumni), industry-specific accelerators (Digital Health, FinTech), International Programs for global startup expansion, Corporate Innovation Programs for enterprise partnerships, and a Startup Studio that has created companies from scratch. The company has accelerated over 300 companies, made 80+ investments, and manages a $40M HBCU Founders Fund.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- HBCU Founders Accelerator A bespoke 4-month acceleration program for founders affiliated with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), providing custom curriculum, paid professional advisors matched to each founder's needs, mentorship, and access to the $40M HBCU Founders Fund. Targets HBCU students, alumni, and faculty-led startups.
- Pre-seed Venture Accelerator Core early-stage startup acceleration program providing capital, mentorship, and resources to help founders progress from pre-seed to seed stage. Open to diverse founders across FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, and PropTech verticals.
- Startup Studio Internal company creation program that builds startups from scratch. Nex Cubed has created two companies through this initiative.
- International Programs Programs helping global startups prepare for expansion in Silicon Valley and beyond, including Startup Acceleration (3-6 month customized program) and Startup Academy (1-week to 2-month program). Targets non-US startups seeking US market entry.
- Corporate Innovation Programs Advisory services helping corporations turn innovations and ideas into sources of organic growth and competitive advantage through partnerships with startups. Sold directly to enterprise partners (e.g., GE Healthcare, Franklin Templeton, Costco, Bank of America).
- Venture Scouting Service connecting corporations with promising startups for potential partnerships, investments, or acquisitions. Supports corporate clients in deal flow sourcing and ecosystem mapping.
- Digital Health Accelerator Industry-specific accelerator focused on digital health innovation, including telehealth, AI drug discovery, remote patient monitoring, and healthcare technology solutions. Includes the GE Healthcare Edison Accelerator in Canada partnership.
- FinTech Accelerator Industry-specific accelerator focused on financial technology innovation, addressing areas like retirement planning, underbanking, and financial inclusion. Includes Franklin Templeton founding partnership-driven FinTech offerings.
- HBCU Founders Fund A $40 million venture capital fund managed by Nex Cubed that invests in startups where at least one founder is an HBCU student, alumni, or faculty member. Costco Wholesale is anchor investor ($5M), with Bank of America and NCInvest as additional investors. Revenue is generated through fund management fees and carried interest.
- Edison Accelerator (Canada, with GE Healthcare) Co-designed digital health accelerator launched with GE Healthcare in Canada to accelerate, validate, and scale innovative digital health solutions. Inaugural cohort of six digital health startups from five countries.
Quantifiable outcome
- 300+ companies accelerated since 2017
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Nex Cubed
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Nex Cubed technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Nex Cubed partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- HBCUvccoreNex Cubed partnered with HBCUvc to launch a scout program aimed at connecting HBCU founders with venture capital networks and expanding the pipeline of underrepresented founders in the startup ecosystem.
- GE HealthcarecoreGE Healthcare collaborated with Nex Cubed to design and deliver the Edison Accelerator in Canada, selecting six digital health startups from five countries as the inaugural cohort. Nex Cubed provides acceleration, validation, and scaling support for healthcare innovations.
- Franklin TempletonflagshipFranklin Templeton joined as a Founding Partner for Nex Cubed's HBCU Founder's Program, specifically informing the FinTech program offerings. The partnership brings financial services expertise to the HBCU accelerator curriculum.
- Enterprise SingaporeflagshipNex Cubed partnered with Enterprise Singapore to support Singapore-based Digital Health startups through a three-week virtual acceleration program focused on US market entry preparation.
- Government of CanadaflagshipNex Cubed partnered with the Government of Canada to support Canadian Digital Health startups through acceleration and US market expansion guidance, as part of Canada's innovation strategy.
- Born2Global (B2G)flagshipNex Cubed partnered with Born2Global (B2G) to support Korean-based startups seeking to enter the US market through the Nex Cubed international acceleration program.
- Luxembourg GovernmentflagshipNex Cubed partnered with the Luxembourg Government through the Luxembourg Startup Academy to support Luxembourg-based startups in preparing for US market entry and investment readiness.
- Alliance Healthcare FoundationflagshipAlliance Healthcare Foundation partnered with Nex Cubed on the i2 (Innovation Initiative) challenge grant program, awarding up to $1 million each to community-grown San Diego organizations. Nex Cubed supported mentorship and incubation for finalists.
- JustworksflagshipJustworks hosted the HBCU Founders Accelerator Cohort #2 program kickoff and unveiling event in New York City, demonstrating shared commitment to fostering innovation and diversity in the startup ecosystem.
- GrowthXflagshipGrowthX partnered with Nex Cubed to provide HBCU Founder's Summer Acceleration Program participants with go-to-market coaching and training, enhancing the program's commercialization support.
- Together.HealthflagshipNex Cubed Digital Health joined Together.Health — the leading consortium of early-stage Digital Health accelerators, economic development organizations, government organizations, and community leaders. Nex Cubed's Managing Director also joined the Together.Health Steering Committee.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Nex Cubed competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Techstars: Techstars is one of the largest global pre-seed/seed accelerators with multiple industry-specific programs (including Techstars Healthcare and Fintech) and corporate accelerator partnerships. It competes directly with Nex Cubed for both founder applications and corporate program mandates.
- Plug and Play Tech Center: Plug and Play runs industry-specific accelerator programs (Health, FinTech, InsurTech) and corporate innovation partnerships globally. It directly competes with Nex Cubed's Digital Health and FinTech verticals and corporate program mandates.
- 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups): 500 Global operates a global accelerator and venture fund with industry-specific programs and corporate partnerships. It directly competes with Nex Cubed's pre-seed accelerator model and international expansion programs.
- Backstage Capital: Backstage Capital is a venture fund dedicated to investing in underrepresented founders (women, people of color, LGBTQ+). It competes directly with Nex Cubed for the same founder pool and corporate ESG capital.
- Harlem Capital: Harlem Capital is an early-stage venture fund focused on investing in minority and women-led startups. It overlaps with Nex Cubed's HBCU and underrepresented founder thesis and competes for similar deal flow and limited partner capital.
- gener8tor: gener8tor operates accelerator programs and corporate partnerships (including industry-specific verticals) and runs investment funds. It is a comparable operator to Nex Cubed's vertical accelerator and corporate program model.
- MassChallenge: MassChallenge is a global, mission-driven accelerator that supports early-stage startups with industry-specific programs and corporate partnerships. It is comparable to Nex Cubed in scale, mission orientation, and program structure.
- Village Capital: Village Capital is an impact-focused accelerator and fund supporting underrepresented founders and impact-driven startups globally. It is comparable to Nex Cubed in mission orientation and corporate/partner-led program model.
Broad incumbents
- Y Combinator: Y Combinator is the largest and most established pre-seed accelerator globally. While not vertically focused, its scale, brand, and standard deal terms set the competitive benchmark that all pre-seed accelerators (including Nex Cubed) must compete against for founder mindshare.
Emerging players
- Dreamit Ventures: Dreamit Ventures operates industry-specific accelerators (HealthTech, FinTech, SecureTech) with corporate partnerships and venture funding. It is a smaller, more focused competitor that overlaps with Nex Cubed's vertical accelerator strategy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses3 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Nex Cubed social profiles
Digital presenceNex Cubed financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nex Cubed leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Nex Cubed funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nex Cubed M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments112 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Nex Cubed
What does Nex Cubed do?
Nex Cubed is a pre-seed venture accelerator and startup studio that runs bespoke acceleration programs (including the HBCU Founders Accelerator, FinTech, and Digital Health verticals), provides corporate innovation advisory and venture scouting services, delivers international startup acceleration for non-US founders entering the US market, and manages a $40 million HBCU Founders Fund that invests in startups with at least one HBCU-connected founder. Services include custom curriculum, paid advisor matching, mentorship, investor network access, and milestone-based support.
Is Nex Cubed a public or private company?
Nex Cubed is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Nex Cubed founded?
Nex Cubed was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Nex Cubed based?
Nex Cubed is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.
How does Nex Cubed make money?
One revenue line is on record: fund Management — HBCU Founders Fund.
Who are Nex Cubed's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Techstars, Plug and Play Tech Center, 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups), Backstage Capital, Harlem Capital, gener8tor, MassChallenge and Village Capital. Y Combinator is listed as a broad incumbent. Dreamit Ventures is listed as an emerging player.
Does Nex Cubed have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nex Cubed.
What industry is Nex Cubed in?
Nex Cubed's product category is Venture Acceleration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSANAAAM, Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated), with a secondary code of FSANAHAD, Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs. Its NAICS code is 61171 and its SIC code is 8742.