Heidi

Heidi Nel is a family office executive and seasoned operator with cross-sector experience spanning private capital, public policy, media, and strategic communications.

As Chief Operating Officer of New Theory Ventures, Heidi built and now leads a single-family office for an exited female entrepreneur, where they focus on directing capital to women—investing in early-stage female founders and engaging the next generation of women investors.

With more than 15 years of general management experience, Heidi is known for building infrastructure, managing complexity, and executing across both mission-driven and growth-stage environments. She brings operational rigor and narrative fluency to capital strategy—aligning investments with long-term value creation and generational stewardship.

Heidi has been featured by Fast Company, Forbes, and Variety; serves on the board of Startup Virginia; and holds VC and PE certificates from Berkeley Law and Wharton. Originally from South Africa, she lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family.