Nashville, a thriving hub for startups and innovation, has a lively startup scene supported by some of the top angel investors in the country. From seasoned venture capitalists to former entrepreneurs turned investors, the city has an array of investors who have put their money into Nashville startups and helped propel them to success.

However, selecting your best match from this vast number of startups can also be a problem. That is why I have prepared the list of the top 10 Angel investors in Nashville who can provide you with funding as well as guidance to make your startup an established brand.

So, let's not wait any longer and start discussing these angel investors.

Top 10 Angel Investors in Nashville

When looking for angel investors, always remember that the investors prioritize individuals/ entrepreneurs with in-depth knowledge of startup stages, business plans, and market-erupting ideas.

That said, here is the list of Nashville's top 10 Angel Investors/ Ventures.

Nashville Entrepreneur Center

Founded in 2010, the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) has emerged as a giant investing network within the city's startup ecosystem.

Established by a group of visionary entrepreneurs, NEC was conceived as a beacon of hope for individuals who had market-erupting ideas but lacked the essential funding. Moreover, the network offers a range of resources to its portfolio companies, including mentorship programs and networking opportunities to guide startups.

Jumpstart Foundry

Founded by a group of investors in 2010, Jumpstart Foundry was established to identify, nurture, and accelerate promising startups in Nashville. With a keen eye for innovation, the Foundry has successfully transformed countless entrepreneurial ideas into thriving businesses.

Jumpstart Foundry's investing interests include many sectors, usually prioritizing healthcare solutions and technology platforms.

The investment range of Jumpstart Foundry can increase up to several million dollars depending on the startup type.

Mountain Group Capital

Founded recently in Nashville, Mountain Group Capital is another angel investing network with a mission to boost startups related to fintech, health tech, and green technologies.

Mountain Group Capital is known for investing in startups with unique ideas and growth potential. Their venture capital portfolio consists of companies that develop innovative products and services which have the potential to improve people's lives.

Notable names in their portfolio companies include Xendit, a payment gateway, and BioLite, a clean energy company.

Encina Capital Partners

Encina Capital Partners is a Venture Capital Firm that focuses on startups that drive economic growth and technological advancement.

Their investing interests encompass various industries, including healthcare, technology, and real estate. By strategically investing in startups within these sectors, the firm not only fuels individual business growth but also contributes to Nashville's overall economic development. Until now, the investment network has funded many startups.

However, some notable names in their portfolio companies include; DentalFix, a dental solutions provider, and Bellhops, an on-demand moving service.

Relevance Capital

Relevance Capital is another VC firm that supports startups related to healthcare technology, sustainable energy solutions, and digital advancements.

However, because of the massive traffic in these fields, the screening tests of relevance capital are often conducted strictly. They prioritize the organizations that can bring in potential resources and provide stability to their investment portfolio.

Relevance Capital believes in providing long-term partnerships beyond just financial support. This is done through mentorship, business development assistance, and access to networks of like-minded entrepreneurs.

Some of their portfolio companies include health-tech startups, such as Kinsa and Sway Medical. The investment range of this VC firm can go as much as $3M depending on the startup’s potential.

Clark Landry

As an individual angel investor, Clar Landry funds startups with diverse investing interests. Most of his portfolio startups are related to tech and Artificial Technology.

However, the screening test of Clark Landry is often very challenging compared with other angel investors. This is because Landry has spent more than 20 years in the tech field, and he knows which startups to invest in and which to avoid.

He looks for startups with promising ideas and, most importantly, growth potential. Notable portfolio companies include PagerDuty, Udacity, and RelayRides. All of these companies have gone on to become successful and profitable businesses, thanks to Clark's investments.

Al Gore

Renowned for his contributions to environmental awareness and advocacy, Al Gore is another Angel Investor operating in Nashville. The investor prefers funding startups with unique ideas and the potential to impact the city’s environment positively.

During screening tests, Gore focuses on individuals understanding of their startup's ideas/ startup stages and why they would want him to fund their startup.

By directing his resources towards startups that focus on clean energy, environmental conservation, and sustainable practices, he not only contributes to Nashville's economic growth but also leaves a lasting impact on the city's commitment to responsible entrepreneurship.

Doug Hudson

Doug Hudson, a respected figure within Nashville's business community, uses his experience in related fields to select limited startups and provide them with the required funding to start a journey toward success. With a deep understanding of the local market dynamics, Hudson's investments are strategically tailored to bolster sectors with significant growth potential.

Hudson's investments span diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, and education. His influence extends beyond financial backing, as he provides startups with valuable insights, mentorship, and strategic guidance.

As Hudson has a diverse investing interest, there isn't a fixed investment range because this depends on the startups. However, Doug Hudson generally starts investing in startups with a budget of over $75,000.

Pathway Lending

Founded with a vision to boost Nashville's economic growth, Pathway Lending has become one of the investing giants of Nashville. Established as a non-profit financial institution, the firm likes to invest in social impact, healthcare technology, and education startups.

Pathway Lending serves as a catalyst for creating economic opportunities through access to capital for small businesses. It also strives to create jobs and improve communities by providing business loans, technical assistance, and professional advice to small business owners with difficulty accessing conventional credit.

Pathway Lending provides a safe haven for entrepreneurs otherwise overlooked or underserved by traditional lenders. It offers loans of up to $500,000 and specializes in working with minority- and women-owned businesses.

Chase Gilbert

Chase Gilbert is another angel investor who loves funding different startups across Nashville. Usually, he likes to fund startups related to technology, healthcare, and entertainment. He is known to provide seed and bridge funding depending on the startup’s needs and goals. His strategy is to act quickly and make decisions based on the merits of each case without too much delay.

However, Gilbert isn't just limited to providing financial support to his portfolio startups. The individual also provides valuable advice to the founders of his portfolio companies. He also teaches tips about how startups can pass through different stages of their downfall, which he calls “the valley of death.”

For the investment range, Chase Gilbert provides funding to startups ranging from $50,000 to $1M.

Wrap Up

With the list of top angel investors in Nashville coming to an end, let us discuss some final words of wisdom.

Although it's true that many different angel investors are always on the hunt to find promising startups. But individuals with startup ideas should also keep in mind that angel investors take a lot of risks that come with investing in the early stages of a business.

Therefore, when seeking an investment from an angel investor, it is important to have a well-thought-out business plan and make sure that your company has strong potential.

Frequently Asked Questions