powered via USB Type C

That's all modern SBCs

Boot from an NVMe

That's where you're likely to lose most of your options.

Your budget is probably an important factor here.

Regardless the some of the Rock Pi boards are supposed to be good for this I believe.

I upgraded to a NUC when I needed an SSD for what I was doing, but that might be a bit more than what you're looking for.

Many SBCs will boot from NVMe via USB. Check out Armbian's tool armbian-install https://docs.armbian.com/User-Guide_Getting-Started/#how-to-install-to-emmc-sata-nvme-usb. There's too many SBCs to list that are capable. Also keep in mind the power to run an SSD and what power your USB connection has available. You may need to use a powered hub. If you have a budget in mind that would help to narrow down your choices.