LOCAL Houston | The City Guide February 2018 | Page 56

FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE+LEISURE
Bravery Chef Hall
Buffbrew Taproom
Pokéology
WHAT PROJECTS ARE CURRENTLY FUNDING?
At the time of this interview, we have seven deals live on our platform, four of which are in Houston:
Bravery Chef Hall, a new chef-driven food hall concept opening downtown; Pitch 25, a soccer bar opening
next to BBVA Compass Stadium by Dynamo legend Brian Ching; Buffbrew Taproom, part of Buffalo Bayou
Brewery’s new expansion project behind Silver Street Studios: and Pokéology is expanding with a second
location at Sawyer Yards. We also have projects in Dallas, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area
currently listed.
QUITE A FEW OF NEXTSEED’S OFFERINGS TEND TO BE RESTAURANT AND HOSPITALITY, EXPERI-
ENCE-BASED INDUSTRIES. IS THIS THE CURRENT TREND?
Absolutely. We’re offering a new investment and fundraising alternative, and we really tried to under-
stand what people were looking for. We made a strategic decision early-on to focus on brick & mortar,
experiential businesses because part of our mission is to remove the mystery and confusion that surrounds
investing – we want people to invest in things they understand, feel connected to and enjoy. Food and
beverage is a natural fit, as are industries like fitness, health and wellness, and hospitality. We’re trying
to create a closer connection between people and the businesses around them because we believe that’s
what creates stronger and more vibrant communities.
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WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BUSINESSES THAT WANT TO WORK WITH NEXTSEED?
Get in touch with us! We’re passionate about small business, so if you have a project in the pipeline and think we might be
able to help you raise capital while also rallying the community around you, we would love to get the conversation started.
WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU HAVE ON THE HORIZON – CAN
YOU GIVE US A SNEAK PEEK?
We can’t talk about upcoming projects (that’s a regulatory
restriction), but we are making a conscious effort to do even
more in Texas, and we’re doubling our efforts in Houston,
specifically.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR NEXTSEED?
This year, we will also launch version 2.0 of our tech product, which is going to be a more sophisticated web experience
for our investors and issuers. We’re also planning to expand our offerings into new industries and categories, actively
listening to what the community needs.
Pitch 25
Our series of Next Up events will also get a refresh. Last
summer, we hosted a fantastic event called Next Up:
Female Founders. Traditional finance is leaving a lot of
people behind, and women in particular are not receiving the
support that they need. We were able to showcase some
incredible women who are building awesome businesses in
Houston, and it included a full-scale marketplace and a pitch
event. The winners of the pitch received a year-long pop-up
lease at GreenStreet, and the make(her) space just opened
in November. We couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved,
and we are excited to continue that for the community – in
Houston and beyond.
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