Lance Armstrong is a serial entrepreneur, media host, and former world-champion cyclist whose life is marked by both athletic excellence and profound personal challenges. He is the founder of Next Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on maximizing growth in Whole Person Health. His current work centers on sharing a story of resiliency, hard-earned lessons, and the transformative power of mental endurance to overcome failure and adversity.
Armstrong’s early career began with success as a professional triathlete at age 15 and culminated in winning the Road Race World Championship. His fight with testicular cancer, which had spread to his lungs and brain, led to the founding of Livestrong, a foundation that raised over $500 million to serve millions of people. His philanthropic efforts also spearheaded the $3 billion bond initiative that created the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), demonstrating a significant impact on cancer research.
Post-cycling, Armstrong became an active angel investor in companies such as Uber, DocuSign, and Athletic Brewing, developing a keen eye for spotting successful founders. He formalized this lifelong passion by establishing Next Ventures, a VC firm focused on the burgeoning health, wellness, and healthcare sectors. This current entrepreneurial focus showcases his commitment to maximizing opportunities within the "Whole Person Health" space.
Through his media platform, WEDU, Armstrong hosts two chart-topping podcasts, THEMOVE and The Forward, which have grown to command over 10 million impressions annually. In his candid and total open-book speaking engagements, he directly addresses the controversial aspects of his past, including his lifetime ban from competitive cycling and the stripping of his seven Tour de France titles due to a wide-ranging doping conspiracy. His unique narrative champions the need for honesty and the power of mental fortitude to navigate complex professional and personal landscapes.
