SALT LAKE CITY — NEXT Global Capital, an impact-focused family office that invests in groundbreaking technology and mission-driven companies, announced today that it is relocating its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah and bringing on former U.S. congressman Chris Stewart as its Chief Strategy Officer as the company expands its presence throughout the state.
“NEXT Global’s move to Utah and the appointment of Chris Stewart as CSO reflects NEXT Global’s investment in strategic expansion and our long-term organizational goals,” said L.R. Fox, founder of NEXT Global. “At NEXT Global, we are committed to identifying and investing in breakthroughs that will change the world. We’re thrilled to expand these contributions in a community that shares our values of innovation, collaboration, and community building.”
The founder of NEXT Global, L.R. Fox launched WhiteFox Defense, a global leader in counter-drone solutions, specializing in cutting-edge drone detection, tracking, and mitigation to safeguard critical airspace. The company is well known for securing the FIFA World Cup in partnership with a local Utah company, Fortem, as well as other events like SXSW, NASCAR, and the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (UNGA), and high-risk regions such as the complex battlefields of Ukraine.
NEXT Global also launched and manages NEXT Life Sciences, which is developing the first non-hormonal and reversible male contraceptive ‘Plan A.’ The contraceptive is designed to last for up to 10 years, and aims to help people better navigate family planning decisions.
The new Salt Lake City office will house NEXT’s core operations and establish a regional hub for engagement with entrepreneurs working on high-impact projects that may redefine the future. Recently, NEXT Global has joined with Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., in its investment in Redemption Bank. Formerly Holladay Bank & Trust, the bank’s acquisition will enable a significant expansion of access to the small business loans that fuel the economy and local communities.
As a Venture Partner at Okapi VC, Fox is expanding this prominent Southern California Venture Capital firm to the Rockies with a deep focus on fueling Utah’s thriving business community. Among many other successes, Okapi VC was one of the first institutional investors into CrowdStrike, now one of the most valuable cybersecurity companies in the world, and valued at $120B.
“I’m honored to join NEXT Global Capital as the company establishes its headquarters in Salt Lake City,” said former Rep. Chris Stewart. “Utah has long served as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. Fox joining this hub has already led to significant investment that will be felt globally. NEXT Global Capital aligns with my personal mission to advance solutions that make a real impact.”
On the philanthropic side, NEXT Global has built The Oasis Academy, the first school for gifted orphans, foster youth, and sex trafficking survivors. The global nonprofit is investing to expand to a Utah campus, equipped with educational resources, support systems, and workforce development programming that brings the most talented and highest potential students from around the world. The Oasis Academy is partnering with local nonprofits that serve these exceptional youth.
For more information, please visit the NEXT Global website at https://nextglobal.org/