BR

Brian Rumao

Managing Director at Next Play Ventures

San Diego Metropolitan Area

Overview 

Brian Rumao is the Managing Director at Next Play Ventures, investing in early-stage startups and leading business strategy and operations management. With a background that includes roles at LinkedIn and McKinsey & Company, he has successfully invested in companies like The Browser Company and Truework, focusing on sectors such as MarketingTech and Web3/Crypto. Brian's career highlights include his leadership roles at LinkedIn, where he served as VP and Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman and CEO, and his successful investments in companies like Trala and Truework. His current role as Managing Director at Next Play Ventures showcases his expertise in early-stage startups and venture capital.

Work Experience 

  • Managing Director

    2020 - Current

    Our mission is to coach and invest in entrepreneurial leaders building world-class, purpose-driven organizations.

Early stage VC led by Jeff Weiner and Brian Rumao. Coaching entrepreneurial leaders building world-class, purpose-driven companies.

  • Angel Investor

    2018

    Personal investor/advisor in startups. Please see brianrumao.com/investing for more.

  • LP and Advisor

    2019

    Westbound Equity Partners is an early stage investment platform focused on the diversity opportunity by capitalizing underrepresented founders, investing in companies serving underrepresented consumers, and helping early stage companies build diverse teams. In addition to driving impact through our investments, we commit 50% of net proceeds to the Concrete Rose Foundation, which identifies and funds nonprofits closing opportunity gaps for underrepresented talent in America.

  • VP, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman

    2020 - 2022

    Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.

  • VP, Chief of Staff to the CEO

    2014 - 2020

    My mission was to help make our CEO, executive team, and company be more productive and successful. Reported to the CEO and worked alongside the Executive Team; managed our company-wide integration efforts with Microsoft; led various programs to keep the trains running on track (e.g., quarterly business reviews, OKRs, leadership summits). Advised cross-functional teams on strategy and operations while leading operational excellence initiatives. Launched and led cross-functional global Economic Graph team.

  • Author, LinkedIn Learning

    2018 - 2019

    Authored a 20 minute course on LinkedIn Learning about the chief of staff role. More than 400,000 aspiring and current chiefs of staff have taken the course, and over 300,000 have viewed my LinkedIn article on "What Does a Chief of Staff Do?". The best part is the hundreds of LinkedIn members who have reached out personally to share how the content has transformed their careers.

  • Manager, Business Operations

    2012 - 2014

    Product strategy; Partnered with Product leadership to identify and assess growth opportunities. Served as acting PM to create and successfully pilot an innovative B2B product, which we patented (issued Dec. 2015). Cross-functional experience with Finance, Product, Business Analytics, Corporate & Business Development, Marketing, Sales, Engineering, and Customer Service.

Find Jobs, Internships, and volunteer openings for teen students!

  • Member, Board of Directors

    2014 - 2022

    BGCP's mission is to provide the low-income youth of our community with the opportunities that enable them to graduate ready to succeed in college or career. Co-chair Safety Committee and previously served on Compensation Committee. Served as Youth of the Year judge for 8th grade finals in Feb. 2016.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula is a nonprofit organization that offers programs and training to achieve school success.

  • Fellow

    2021 - 2022

    ODLB1: On Deck Longevity Biotech fellow. Learning and supporting efforts to increase human lifespan and healthspan. ODA3. The On Deck Angel Fellowship is an eight-week remote program for angel investors who want to build deal flow, develop their investing approach, and build lasting relationships.

On Deck is a community platform designed to develop different ideas and build companies.

Raised $20,000,000.00 from Pioneer Fund.

  • First Mover Fellow

    2018 - 2019

    The Aspen Institute First Movers Fellowship Program is the leading global network and professional development program for corporate social intrapreneurs. First Movers are accomplished innovators inside companies who are creating new products, services and management practices that increase business value and make the world a better place.

Aspen-HP Digital Equity Accelerator is an accelerator that fuels innovation by investing in not-for-profit organizations and NGOs.

  • Consultant

    2010 - 2012

    As a member of the operations practice, partnered with senior clients to deliver lasting impact. Industry experience in aerospace & defense, financial and professional services, healthcare / providers, pharmaceuticals, logistics and trucking. Geographic experience in 10+ US states, Puerto Rico, Australia, Spain, Ireland, UK, and the Netherlands. Promoted from Business Analyst to Associate (DTA) in June 2012.

McKinsey Growth Tech serves leading growth stage tech players, venture capital, and growth private equity

  • Operations Consultant

    2009 - 2009

    Lean operations consultant intern for international contract shoe manufacturer in Bogor, Indonesia.

  • Operations Analyst

    2008 - 2008

    Operations analyst intern for customer service operations - Americas Business Operations.

Dell transforms computing and provides high-quality solutions for people and businesses to be ready to move forward.

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