The Southern Appalachian Fund is a $12.5 million venture capital firm based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with an additional office in London, Kentucky. It invests in early and expansion-stage companies operating in the interactive home entertainment, manufacturing, technology, and software sectors, with a focus on small businesses in southern Appalachia, particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Appalachian counties of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The fund typically invests between $200,000 and $600,000 in its portfolio companies, often leading investment syndicates or co-investing with other institutional investors and seasoned angel investors. It seeks to generate market-rate returns for its investors while promoting shared and sustainable business growth and wealth creation in its target region. The fund's mission is to provide not only equity capital but also operational assistance, active board participation, and mentoring to its portfolio companies.
Tricycle, Inc. is a software company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, founded in 2002, that focuses on providing innovative tools for carpet sampling and design applications. Its flagship product, Tryk, is a sampling software that combines yarn, machine, and design information to generate realistic carpet images. This technology aids commercial interiors manufacturers, interior designers, and architects by streamlining the carpet specification process and minimizing sample waste. As a subsidiary of Shaw Industries Group, Tricycle aims to reduce petroleum use and landfill waste within the commercial carpet industry through its digital solutions.
Protein Discovery
Series C in 2008
Protein Discovery, Inc. is a life sciences company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative sample preparation technologies for protein and peptide analysis via mass spectrometry. The company offers several key products, including the Gelfree 8100 fractionation system, which separates complex protein mixtures into liquid-phase molecular weight fractions, and the Passport 1200 sample preparation system, designed to enrich low molecular weight proteins and peptides while eliminating matrix interferences, facilitating high-throughput quantification. Additionally, Protein Discovery provides the PPS Silent Surfactant, a reagent that solubilizes membrane proteins and reduces detergent interference. The UPX universal protein extraction kit is also available for detergent extraction of proteins from cells and tissues. Catering to life science researchers and drug development scientists, Protein Discovery markets its products both through Agilent Technologies and online, reaching a global audience. Founded in 2001 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company was originally named Qgenics Biosciences, Inc. before rebranding to its current name in 2004.
SemiSouth Laboratories
Series A in 2006
SemiSouth Laboratories create products for a variety of power electronics applications such as solar and wind inverters, telecom rectifiers, high-efficiency power supplies, and hybrid-electric drives.
Tier 1 Performance
Series A in 2005
Tier 1 Performance Solutions, LLC specializes in online learning and knowledge management solutions tailored for commercial, non-profit, and government organizations. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, the company offers a range of products designed to enhance learning and performance. Among its key offerings is Performance1, a content management system that streamlines the authoring and delivery of performance-related content. Additionally, the Library1 system provides a diverse collection of media assets, including illustrations and animations, to support various learning initiatives. Method1 serves as a structured approach for developing learning modules, while the company also provides online help and electronic performance support systems to facilitate software deployment.
SemiSouth Laboratories
Series A in 2005
SemiSouth Laboratories create products for a variety of power electronics applications such as solar and wind inverters, telecom rectifiers, high-efficiency power supplies, and hybrid-electric drives.
Eonstreams
Venture Round in 2005
Eonstreams, established in 2018, is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based company specializing in streaming services. With a team boasting over six years of industry experience, Eonstreams offers comprehensive, tailored solutions. Their platform provides users worldwide with access to diverse content, featuring video streaming, customizable playlists, and user-friendly interfaces, ensuring a seamless, enhanced viewing experience across multiple devices.
NuMarkets
Venture Round in 2004
NuMarkets is a company that specializes in eBay consignment services, facilitating the online sale of items for both individuals and businesses. Originally established as an eBay consignment company, it transitioned to operating under the brand NuMarkets of Chattanooga after selling its assets in 2007. The company employs NuMarkets SimpleTM enterprise software, which provides essential management tools such as quality control, payment processing, and real-time sales reporting. Headquartered in a 50,000 square-foot operations and fulfillment center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, NuMarkets collaborates with manufacturers, retailers, and other businesses to manage, sell, and ship new, excess, and consigned inventory on a global scale. The software enhances their backend commerce services, significantly increasing the volume of products sold.
Tricycle
Series A in 2004
Tricycle, Inc. is a software company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, founded in 2002, that focuses on providing innovative tools for carpet sampling and design applications. Its flagship product, Tryk, is a sampling software that combines yarn, machine, and design information to generate realistic carpet images. This technology aids commercial interiors manufacturers, interior designers, and architects by streamlining the carpet specification process and minimizing sample waste. As a subsidiary of Shaw Industries Group, Tricycle aims to reduce petroleum use and landfill waste within the commercial carpet industry through its digital solutions.
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