AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Next Coast Ventures, an Austin-based venture capital firm investing in entrepreneurs on the ‘Next Coast’ of innovation, today announced Anthony Walker as its new Principal, executing Next Coast’s strategy with a focus on sourcing entrepreneurs and identifying investment prospects in markets outside the coasts.
Walker comes to Next Coast Ventures as former Vice President of Global Investment Research at Goldman Sachs. While at Goldman, Anthony was responsible for conducting in-depth company analysis and valuation work to drive investment recommendations for stocks. In 2018, Walker also co-founded Ellisen Inc., a web-based platform designed to help startups better recruit and retain diverse talent.
“From his experience at Goldman Sachs, Anthony will bring strong entrepreneurial, financial modeling, valuation, and equity research skills that are critical to being a successful venture investor,” says Michael Smerklo, co-founder and managing director of Next Coast Ventures. “Because he knows what it takes to start his own company, Anthony seamlessly fits our tagline of ‘built for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.’ We are excited to add his expertise to the firm, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Prior to his roles at Goldman Sachs and Ellisen, Walker worked as a senior investment professional at Gideon Asset Management and Citadel where he managed hedge fund portfolios of between $300 million and $600 million focused on the Industrials sector. He also served as Vice President, Research and Investment Committee Member at Ariel Investments (managing the firm’s investments in the energy sector), and Assistant Vice President of Equity Research at Barclays Capital (formerly Lehman Brothers). Walker graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science and went on to receive his MBA at The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business.
“I have spent my career analyzing and investing in companies, and through my own entrepreneurial endeavors, have seen first-hand what it takes to build and scale a business,” says Walker. “I know how important it is to have the right team supporting you, and I believe that Next Coast has assembled a talented group of professionals capable of adding value to the enterprises in which we invest. The company building approach and investment thesis focused on ‘Next Coast’ markets is differentiated and really attracted me to the firm. However, what solidified my decision to join Next Coast was hearing first hand from entrepreneurs in the portfolio about the focus, discipline and hard work the entire team brings to help them grow and scale their businesses.”
“Because Anthony is an entrepreneur himself, he is more than qualified to help our founders scale great companies,” says Co-Founder and Managing Director Tom Ball. “He has the knowledge to provide them with unique advice and perspectives as well as introductions to potential hires, investors, customers and strategic partnerships. We know he will be a strong asset to our team and our founders.”
About Next Coast Ventures
Next Coast Ventures is an Austin venture capital firm that partners with bold entrepreneurs building innovative companies in big markets. It provides early-stage capital to high-growth startups in ‘Next Coast’ markets, using macro trends and themes to guide its investment strategy. Next Coast provides its growing group of portfolio companies hands-on, company building resources through its strong industry network, Entrepreneurs Council program and the founders’ own experiences as entrepreneurs. Learn more at https://www.nextcoastventures.com/.
