NextSTEP

NextSTEP relies on a dual origination model: the Startup Studio creates companies internally from the ideation phase, while the Venture Building Program and direct investment track back founding teams externally. Both streams draw on the parent NextEnergy Group’s network, giving the firm deal flow that blends proprietary creation with market-sourced opportunities.

The firm invests from idea stage through pre-seed, seed, and early stage. This covers the full spectrum of company formation and initial scaling, without extending into later growth equity or buyout rounds.

NextSTEP is an investment initiative of NextEnergy Group, not an independently incorporated fund. This structure ties its investment activity to the strategic and balance-sheet resources of the parent, which operates in the sustainable energy sector.

All disclosed activity points to direct equity investments and in-house company creation via its Startup Studio. There is no public indication that NextSTEP commits capital to third-party venture funds.

Portfolio companies operate across Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Ecuador. The firm itself maintains offices in Venice, London, and Milan, with a stated primary focus on European Climate Tech.

No. NextSTEP has not publicly disclosed assets under management or a specific fund size, consistent with its structure as a corporate investment initiative rather than a traditional closed-end venture fund.

Managing Director Claudio Colombo leads day-to-day investment operations. The Investment Committee is chaired by Aldo Beolchini, and Investment Director Davide Nielsen is also part of the core investment team, as listed on the firm's website.