Innova Memphis, established in 2007 by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, is a venture capital firm located in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments in high-growth companies within the biosciences, technology, and agri-tech sectors. Innova aims to connect capital with innovative ideas to develop groundbreaking products and services. By investing in start-ups, the firm not only supports their growth but also facilitates partnerships with established corporations for licensing or further investment opportunities. With a team experienced in management and market expertise, Innova is equipped to transform concepts into viable business units ready to compete in the market. Their approach combines technical knowledge, proven staffing, and appropriate funding to maximize the potential for success in the competitive landscape.
Enhanced Capital, established in 1999, is a New York-based investment firm managing over $400 million. It specializes in providing flexible equity and debt financing to small and mid-sized businesses, promoting their growth and expansion. The firm's investment approach is practical and tailored, aiming to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid growth. Enhanced Capital also invests in renewable energy, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing projects, often leveraging federal and state incentive programs.
Launch Tennessee is a public-private partnership established in 2012 and based in Nashville, Tennessee. It aims to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurs throughout all stages of their business journey, from initial concept to successful exit. The organization is dedicated to making Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the United States, encouraging entrepreneurs to establish and grow their companies locally, thereby creating jobs. Launch Tennessee focuses on various sectors, including business services, consumer products, energy, healthcare, and information technology, and it actively supports seed-stage to later-stage companies within these industries.
The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.
Iroquois Capital Group, founded in 2006 and based in Nashville, Tennessee, operates as a merchant banking and investment banking firm. The company specializes in providing a wide range of investment banking services, including acquisition financing, initial public offerings, debt financing, and mergers and acquisitions, primarily targeting lower and middle-market clients. Iroquois Capital focuses on diverse industries, with particular emphasis on healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. In addition to its investment banking activities, the firm engages in private equity investments, ranging from seed to late stage, as well as turnaround and growth capital investments. Its portfolio includes various businesses such as a REIT investment group, captive services, commerce insurance, and surgical partnerships, thereby offering comprehensive capital solutions to middle market companies.
Denso is a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems, and components, headquartered in Kariya, Japan. Founded in 1949 as an independent entity from Toyota Motor, Denso focuses on providing solutions that enhance vehicle performance and safety while minimizing environmental impact. The company’s primary business areas include powertrain control systems, thermal systems, electrification systems, mobility electronics, and sensors/semiconductor systems. Denso serves major automakers worldwide, emphasizing innovative products and technologies that contribute to a safer and more sustainable automotive environment.
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center, founded in 2010, is an incubator located in Nashville, Tennessee, dedicated to fostering the growth of businesses across various sectors, including business-to-business services, finance technology, health care, digital media, entertainment, and social enterprise. The center aims to make Nashville a premier destination for entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand their businesses. It offers a range of programs tailored to the specific developmental needs of companies at different stages. Additionally, the Entrepreneur Center provides memberships that grant access to physical workspaces and a community of supportive entrepreneurs, enhancing collaboration and networking opportunities within the local business ecosystem.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
Nashville Capital Network, established in 2003, is a Tennessee-based organization that supports the growth of early-stage companies. It achieves this by mentoring entrepreneurs and facilitating connections with experienced investors. Since its inception, NCN has fostered a network of committed individual investors who have collectively invested over $42 million in Tennessee-based companies. The organization focuses on healthcare and technology sectors, reflecting its preference for these industries.
Mountain Group Capital, LLC is a venture capital and private equity firm founded in 2002 and based in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, venture equity, buyouts, growth capital, and later-stage investments, primarily targeting the life sciences, animal health, and technology sectors. Within life sciences, it emphasizes MedTech, medical devices, diagnostics, nutraceuticals, and expedited drug development. In the animal health sector, the firm focuses on technologies that enhance companion animal health and agricultural practices. Mountain Group Capital also invests in disruptive technologies that feature innovative business models with manageable development risk and a swift path to market. The firm seeks investment opportunities in North America, particularly in the Southeastern United States and Tennessee, typically targeting companies with revenues between $1 million and $50 million. It generally prefers to acquire minority interests in venture capital investments while aiming for controlling interests in buyout transactions.
Frist Cressey Ventures, established in 2016 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, is a venture capital firm specializing in early and growth-stage healthcare companies. It invests in technology and service businesses that enhance care quality, system integration, patient outcomes, and population health. The firm partners with entrepreneurs who share its core values, aiming to accelerate growth and improve healthcare through value-added collaborations.
MB Venture Partners, established in 2001, is a Tennessee-based venture capital firm headquartered in Memphis. The company specializes in providing equity capital and strategic guidance to life sciences businesses, with a focus on medical device and biotechnology companies at various stages of development. MB Venture Partners is particularly interested in product solutions for musculoskeletal diseases, leveraging its partners' extensive experience and relationships in this field. The firm invests across the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States.
Chattanooga Renaissance Fund, established in 2009 and based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage technology companies. It primarily targets seed, startup, and growth-stage investments, with a geographical focus on Chattanooga and surrounding cities such as Knoxville, Nashville, and the northern Atlanta area. The firm seeks to support the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing not only capital but also mentorship and resources to foster growth and innovation in sectors like technology, telecommunications, media, and manufacturing.
TriStar Health Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2009 and located in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Louisville, Kentucky. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting healthcare innovation and life sciences. Its investment focus encompasses a range of areas including diagnostics, medical devices, healthcare information technology, and healthcare services. TriStar Health Partners is particularly interested in technologies and companies emerging from universities and research institutions, while also considering existing companies without direct ties to academia. The firm predominantly invests in the Southeast United States, especially in Tennessee, committing typically between $100,000 and $1 million per investment, with a target total investment of $1 million to $2 million over the duration of the investment.
Jumpstart Foundry is a venture capital firm based in Nashville, Tennessee, specializing in seed-stage investments in the healthcare sector. Founded in 2010, the firm focuses on healthcare information technology, consumer health products and services, as well as tech-enabled services and diagnostic devices, while avoiding investments in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences. Jumpstart Foundry typically invests up to $0.15 million per company for a 7.5 percent equity stake. The firm operates a 14-week accelerator program for startups, alongside a six-week Micro-Accelerator program designed for small to medium-sized companies and corporations. With a mission to enhance healthcare innovation, Jumpstart Foundry connects its portfolio companies with industry stakeholders and provides strategic guidance on marketing and growth. Additionally, the firm has an office in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a subsidiary of Solidus Company.
ZeroTo510 is an entrepreneurial accelerator based in Memphis, Tennessee, established in 2012. It specializes in supporting medical device and healthtech startups by leveraging the region's strengths in medical device research and manufacturing. The program aims to assist these startups in navigating the complexities of the startup process, refining their business models, and achieving FDA's 510(k) premarket notification filing. ZeroTo510 offers a structured, mentorship-driven 90-day program that includes both instructional and hands-on activities tailored to guide entrepreneurs through the necessary steps. Additionally, selected companies receive up to $150,000 in seed funding to help them launch their ventures effectively.
HCA Foundation, established in 1992, is an independent non-profit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee. It manages funds to support health and well-being initiatives, childhood and youth development programs, and arts promotion in Middle Tennessee. The foundation's assets are overseen by its board of directors. HCA Foundation is associated with HCA Healthcare, Inc., a leading U.S. healthcare services company that operates over 180 hospitals and 120 freestanding surgery centers across 20 states and England. HCA Healthcare provides a wide range of medical services, including general and acute care, psychiatric care, and various outpatient services through its network of hospitals, surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, clinics, and physician practices.
Dynamo Ventures, established in 2016 and headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a seed-stage venture capital firm specializing in supply chain and mobility technologies. The company invests in pre-seed and seed-stage opportunities, focusing on enterprise business models across various sectors, including logistics, transportation, manufacturing, and mobility technology. Dynamo Ventures has a global investment scope, spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.
Norwest Mezzanine Partners, established in 2000, is a Minneapolis-based investment firm that provides junior capital solutions to middle market companies backed by private equity firms. It focuses on driving value and successful outcomes for all stakeholders by investing across various industries, including business services, consumer, healthcare, and industrials. The firm operates from offices in Minneapolis and West Palm Beach, and it has an affiliation with Norwest Equity Partners, a middle market equity investment firm with a history dating back to 1961.
FCA Venture Partners, established in 1996, is a Nashville-based venture capital firm with a focus on the healthcare and healthtech sectors. The firm invests $3-6M in fast-growing companies that aim to improve healthcare processes, enhance care quality, and elevate patient experience. With a history of backing successful entrepreneurs and a strategic approach to value addition, FCA is well-positioned to capitalize on disruptive opportunities in the U.S. healthcare landscape.
Heritage Group, LLC, established in 1986, is a Nashville, Tennessee-based venture capital firm specializing in healthcare investments. It provides early-stage and growth capital, typically investing up to $15 million per company, with a preference for healthcare services, healthcare IT, and technology-enabled services sectors. The firm seeks board participation in its portfolio companies and has a track record of investing in, operating, and advising innovative healthcare businesses.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) is a global investment firm established in 1976, headquartered in New York. It manages multiple alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, and credit. Through strategic partnerships, KKR also invests in hedge funds. The firm employs a patient and disciplined approach, focusing on long-term value creation and generating attractive returns for its fund investors across various sectors such as business services, consumer products, energy, financial services, and technology.
Beyond is an online retailer that specializes in offering a wide variety of products at clearance prices. The company provides an extensive range of items, including furniture, home décor, bedding, kitchenware, and outdoor goods. Beyond operates through its own inventory as well as through partnerships with manufacturers and distributors, allowing it to feature products from various suppliers on its websites. In addition to retail, Beyond engages its customer base through interactive promotions, gift card giveaways, and community discussions on social media platforms. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Midvale, Utah, Beyond has evolved from its original name, D2-Discounts Direct, to become a prominent player in the online retail space.
Altitude Ventures Management, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2012 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Houston, Texas. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing primarily on healthcare services and technology startups that aim to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Altitude Ventures typically targets companies with annual revenues ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. By leveraging its industry expertise and extensive network, the firm strives to create value-added partnerships that support entrepreneurs and contribute positively to the healthcare system.
Peak Rock Capital, established in 2012, is a private equity firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, with an additional office in Brussels, Belgium. The company specializes in middle-market investments, providing both equity and debt capital to companies across diverse sectors in North America and Europe. Peak Rock targets businesses with annual revenues ranging from $50 million to $1 billion, focusing on buyout, special situation, and debt investments. The firm's investment strategy includes majority stakes in growth-stage companies and recapitalizations, with a typical investment size of $20 million to $150 million. Peak Rock Capital is registered as an investment adviser.
Tennessee Community Ventures is a venture capital firm located in Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 2009, the firm focuses on making seed and early-stage investments throughout the state of Tennessee. By concentrating on emerging companies, Tennessee Community Ventures aims to foster innovation and support the growth of local businesses in various sectors.
Anthem Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, serving as the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc. Its primary mission is to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families within the communities it serves. The foundation provides grants aimed at improving health and wellness, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the diverse health needs of the population. Funded entirely by Anthem, Inc., the Anthem Foundation focuses on initiatives that promote better health outcomes and support community health development. The foundation's operations are overseen by a Board of Directors, ensuring its efforts align with its mission to create a meaningful impact on public health.
IAG Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2017 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. The firm specializes in early-stage investments as well as recapitalizations and growth capital across various sectors, including life sciences, data-based software-as-a-service, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure. IAG Capital Partners employs a flexible investment strategy, utilizing common equity, preferred equity, convertible debt, mezzanine debt, structured facilities, and senior secured financing to support its portfolio companies. The firm aims to be a sole source of financing while also collaborating with other debt and equity investors during investment rounds.
Blank Slate Ventures is a venture capital investment firm based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing funding to pre-revenue startups in the local area, focusing on teams of entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions with the potential to disrupt their industries. By targeting early-stage companies, Blank Slate Ventures aims to nurture and support nascent businesses as they transition from initial concepts to operational ventures. The firm has a notable track record, exemplified by its first investment in Quickcue, LLC, which successfully evolved from an idea to a business and was later sold to OpenTable, Inc.
Claritas Capital, established in 2002, is a Nashville, Tennessee-based private investment firm. It specializes in providing private capital solutions, primarily focusing on late-stage venture and growth capital opportunities in healthcare, business services, and technology sectors. The firm invests in companies across the Southeast United States, with a particular interest in health tech, fintech, and technology-enabled service disruptors. Claritas Capital typically invests between $0.25 million and $5 million in equity, and up to $10 million in mezzanine financing, which is provided as subordinated debt with warrants. The firm seeks a board seat or observation rights in its portfolio companies and has invested in 44 companies since its inception.
SSM Partners, established in 1990, is a Tennessee-based private equity firm specializing in growth-equity investments. The firm invests in rapidly growing, technology-facing companies in the United States, with a focus on software & technology, healthcare, and Internet & consumer sectors. SSM's portfolio typically consists of companies that are three to ten years old, have a proven business model, $8-$50 million in revenue with a 20%+ growth rate, and are approaching or have achieved profitability. The firm provides equity capital of $5-20 million to these companies, often serving as their first institutional investor. SSM's approach is collaborative, leveraging its deep understanding of the growth company lifecycle to build strong relationships with entrepreneur-partners.
Third Prime is a venture capital firm established in 2016, headquartered in New York with an additional office in Nashville. It specializes in early-stage investments, typically ranging from $250,000 to $3 million, focusing on consumer, real estate services, and media sectors. The firm manages over $500 million in assets and invests primarily in private companies.
Reliant Bancorp Inc provides a full range of traditional banking services throughout the Middle Tennessee Region and the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin Metropolitan Statistical Area. It provides a wide range of commercial banking services for businesses and individuals. The company has two reportable business segments: Commercial Banking and Residential Mortgage Banking. Commercial Banking provides deposit and lending services to consumer and business customers. Residential Mortgage Banking originates first-lien residential mortgage loans throughout the United States. It derives a majority of the revenue from the Commercial Banking segment.
Council Capital, established in 2000, is a Nashville-based private equity firm managing approximately $150 million. It specializes in early-growth and growth-stage investments, focusing on healthcare services and healthcare IT companies that prioritize innovative solutions to enhance quality and reduce costs.
Gen Cap America, established in 1988, is a Tennessee-based private investment firm headquartered in Nashville. It specializes in acquiring and recapitalizing middle market businesses, typically with revenues between $5 million and $100 million. The firm partners with management teams to invest in established companies with strong operating histories and experienced management, often facilitating management buyouts. It also structures recapitalizations for business owners seeking immediate liquidity while maintaining operational control. Gen Cap America's investment focus includes manufacturing, distribution, and basic service companies with strong market positions in niche sectors.
Vesey Street Capital Partners, established in 2014 and headquartered in New York, is a private equity firm specializing in middle market investments. It focuses on the healthcare services sector, seeking to invest in businesses that create value for hospitals, payors, physicians, and post-acute care providers by enhancing efficiency, improving quality, reducing costs, and expanding revenues. The firm typically invests between $50 million to $200 million in companies with EBITDA between $5 million and $30 million, preferring control transactions and majority stakes. It considers both founder-led businesses and corporate carve-outs, primarily within the United States.
Hudson Automotive Group is a family-owned and operated motor vehicle dealership company based in Madisonville, Kentucky. Established in 1955, it operates multiple locations across Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including cities such as Cleveland, Kingsport, Morristown, Johnson City, Charleston, North Charleston, and Gastonia. The company specializes in the sale of new and used vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks, and provides reliable auto services from various manufacturers. In addition to vehicle sales, Hudson Automotive offers auto loans and OEM parts, addressing a wide range of automotive needs for its customers. As a subsidiary of Watermark Auto Group, Hudson Automotive continues to uphold its commitment to customer service and quality.
Pinnacle Financial Partners is a commercial banking firm founded in 2000 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. The company offers a comprehensive array of financial services, including banking, investment, trust, mortgage, and insurance products. It caters to both businesses and individuals, focusing on building complete financial relationships with its clients. Pinnacle operates in four key markets within Tennessee—Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga—while also serving several surrounding counties.
Solas BioVentures, established in 2014 and headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. The company focuses on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health technologies, aiming to support innovative solutions in the healthcare sector.
First Horizon Bank, established in 1864, is a regional banking institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. It offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including personal banking (checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages), commercial banking (commercial checking, lending, treasury management), and wealth management services. The bank operates through approximately 250 branches in the Southeast United States, serving both individual consumers and businesses.
JumpFund is a venture capital firm based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, founded in 2013. The firm focuses on seeding and growing strong, female-led ventures primarily in the Southeastern United States. With a preference for investments in the energy and information technology sectors, JumpFund aims to support and empower women entrepreneurs, fostering their growth and development in a traditionally underrepresented area of the business landscape.
Russell Street Ventures is a healthcare-focused venture capital firm established in 2018 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm is dedicated to launching and scaling companies that cater to vulnerable and underserved patient populations in the United States. By concentrating on the healthcare sector, Russell Street Ventures aims to drive innovation and improve access to essential services for those in need.
Whistler Capital Partners is a Nashville-based private equity firm established in 2021, specializing in growth equity and buyouts within the healthcare sector and associated technology-enabled services. With over $1 billion in assets under management, the firm collaborates with exceptional leadership teams, providing them with strategic resources and capital to enhance their operations. Whistler Capital Partners focuses on investments that leverage technology and data-driven solutions to drive growth and innovation in its target industries. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to fostering partnerships that promote sustainable development and value creation in the healthcare landscape.
Meritus Ventures, established in 2002 and based in London, Kentucky, is a venture capital firm focused on making equity investments in private, expansion-stage companies primarily located in rural areas of central and southern Appalachia. The firm targets investments in various sectors, including information technology, industrials, and telecommunications. Meritus Ventures operates in several states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and the Appalachian counties of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. In addition to financial support, Meritus Ventures offers operational assistance to its portfolio companies, aiming to foster growth and development in the communities it serves.
EvidenceCare, LLC is a company that designs and develops decision support tools and web applications for clinicians, aimed at enhancing the delivery of medical care and treatment procedures. Established in 2014 and based in Brentwood, Tennessee, EvidenceCare offers a clinical decision support system (CDSS) that integrates seamlessly into a clinician's electronic health record (EHR) workflow. This platform provides customized, interactive guidance to healthcare providers, promoting evidence-based care with measurable outcomes. Key features of EvidenceCare include Pathway Builder, which allows health systems to create tailored care pathways; Admission Criteria, designed to minimize denial rates and maximize reimbursements for hospitals; and Imaging Criteria, which ensures compliance with appropriate use criteria for advanced imaging services. By leveraging advanced CDSS technology, EvidenceCare helps healthcare organizations improve quality and safety, reduce liability, enhance operational efficiency, and capture additional revenue while adhering to government compliance requirements.
FINTOP Capital, established in 2016, is a venture capital firm based in Nashville, Tennessee, with additional offices in Hoboken, New Jersey, and St. Louis, Missouri. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage, B2B service-enabled SaaS and software companies operating in the FinTech sector. FINTOP Capital targets companies with a proven product, real revenues, and leadership teams composed of industry veterans.
Cadence Bank is a regional banking institution based in Tupelo, Mississippi, with over $6.7 billion in assets. It operates more than 95 branches across Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. The bank offers a range of commercial banking and financial services tailored to individuals and small-to-medium-sized businesses. In addition to traditional banking, Cadence Bank provides wealth management services, including investment brokerage, personal trust, estate planning, and retirement accounts. The bank also has an insurance agency subsidiary that sells various insurance products. Committed to customer service, Cadence Bank emphasizes building strong relationships with clients and enhancing community development through its operations.
Riley Permian specializes in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, with a primary focus on high-growth opportunities in the Permian Basin. The company emphasizes the horizontal development of the San Andres Formation, leveraging its technical expertise and advanced evaluation techniques. In addition to its core operations in the Permian Basin, Riley Permian also manages properties in Kansas and Tennessee. The company is recognized for its operational experience, which positions it as a leader in acquiring, developing, and producing energy resources.
Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.