As a city that is still in its growing stages, Knoxville currently ranks among the top 300 cities to start a new business globally.
Similarly, in the previous decade, Knoxville hasn’t shown exceptional economic growth, leaving room for many entrepreneurs to step in and bring a positive change to the startup ecosystem.
Do you also have an idea that can change the startup scene of Knoxville and generate massive revenue?
Well, in that case, the following list of the top 5 angel investors in Knoxville is definitely meant for you.
So, without further delay, let's get started.
The following list contains some of the top-ranked venture capital firms that fund startups in Knoxville.
Website: SSM Partners
Investor Type: Growth Equity Firm
Investment Interests: Healthcare Software & Services, B2B
Investment Stage: Series B
As one of Tennessee's biggest and most experienced investors, SSM Partners also focuses on funding startups in Knoxville. The network was founded in 1990 by Wilson Orr and has funded 40 companies. The team of investors at SSM Partners only funds startups that are rapidly growing and have a clear understanding of future goals with a dedicated team.
Aside from their investments, SSM Partners also focuses on mentoring startups to ensure they can successfully exit after some years. Despite being located in Memphis, SSM Partners arranges different networking events throughout Tennessee to ensure entrepreneurs can network with investors to secure funding.
The investment range of SSM Partners ranges from $10M - $30M. Some of their recent portfolio companies are:
Mnet Health: Mnet Health, now known as One Mnet Health, provides the clinical and financial patient experience, enabling better patient care and financial outcomes.
ProviderTrust: ProviderTrust is a software company that delivers automated credential verification and exclusion monitoring.
SmashFly: SmashFly is a recruitment marketing platform that enables recruiters to attract and engage with candidates through personalized marketing campaigns.
Website: Pharos Capital Group
Investor Type: Private Equity
Investment Interests: Healthcare
Investment Stage: Early and Seed
Pharos Capital Group is also an active startup funding network that funds startups in Knoxville. The firm was founded in 1998 by Bob Goodman, Kneeland Youngblood, and Michael Devlin, funding over 35 startups since its inception.
Similarly, Pharos Capital Group is a physician-founded private equity firm that invests in growing healthcare companies aiming to improve patient outcomes, increase access to care, and/or lower the cost of healthcare.
Aside from their startup funding campaigns, Pharos Capital Group also conducts many networking events and mentorship programs to guide their portfolio companies. The investment range of Pharos Capital Group usually depends on the startup type. They usually fund startups within the range of $30M.
Some of their recent portfolio companies are:
Beacon Specialized Living: Beacon Specialized Living serves individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs. They offer services in many states across the US.
Charter Healthcare Group: Charter Healthcare Group is a provider of post-acute care services that offers a broad spectrum of programs for patients with life threatning diseases, including hospice, home health, complex care management, and palliative care services. They serve more than 5,000 patients in seven states.
FasPsych: FasPsych connects psychiatrists and organizations through telemedicine to provide virtual mental health care. They offer flexible payment models and HIPAA-compliant providers.
Website: mbventures.com
Investor Type: Growth Capital
Investment Interests: Biotech and Medical Devices
Investment Stage: Series A
MB Venture Partners is a famous venture capital firm that provides equity capital at all startup stages. The network was founded by Gary Stevenson, who had a keen interest in the Medical sector, and it has been evident from his portfolio companies, too.
Similarly, when conducting screening tests, MB Venture Partners only funds the most deserving startups that can generate 5-6x ROI within the first 3 years. The network also looks for leadership skills in the entrepreneurs and emphasizes a hardworking team with defined goals to ensure their provided capital will be properly utilized.
Once a startup has been funded, MB Venture Partners also ensures it can receive the best guidance from their pool of expert mentors. With around 100 investments since inception and dozens of successful exits by different companies, it is evident that MB Venture Partners invests a lot in its portfolio companies.
The investment range of MB Venture partners ranges from a few million dollars to $120M. Some of their recent portfolio companies are:
KFx Medical: KFx Medical develops and manufactures innovative soft tissue fixation implants for orthopedic sports medicine surgeons.
SweetBio: SweetBio is a medical device company specializing in bioengineering honey-incorporated materials for wound care. They have made it their mission to simplify the journey to closure with their new easy-to-apply VERIS™ + APIS® wound dressings.
Spine Wave: Spine Wave is a company that produces and develops high-quality, innovative medical devices to treat spinal disorders. They provide spine surgeons with a broad, differentiated portfolio of expandable and efficient
solutions for real surgical challenges.
Website: Dobbs Equity Partners, LLC –
Investor Type: Private Equity Firm
Investment Interests: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Distribution, Business Franchises, Industrial & Specialty Business Services, Maintenance & Repair Businesses
Investment Stage: Series A
Dobbs Equity Partners is a privately owned firm that invests in startups with huge growth potential. John Hull Dobbs Jr founded the network and has provided funding to many startups across the US. When funding startups, Dobbs Equity Partners usually opt for a hands-on investment strategy and carefully fund startups based on their achievements.
Once a startup has been funded, Dobbs Equity Partners provides it with the required guidance through different workshops and events. The firm's investment ranges from $2M to $25M, depending on the startup. Some of their famous portfolio companies are:
Finishing Innovations, LLC: Finishing Innovations LLC specializes in providing orthopedic metal finishing services. They offer services such as hard chrome plating, titanium anodizing, citric and nitric passivation, and laser etching.
Diamond Specialty: Diamond Specialty is an expert group of insurance professionals that provide insurance policies and related services.
The Universal Group, LLC: The Universal Group, LLC supplies leaf springs and related suspension components to original equipment manufacturers, axle manufacturers, and to the automotive and heavy-duty truck replacement market throughout North America.
Website: Claritas Capital
Investor Type: Private Equity Firm
Investment Interests: Tech, Healthcare, and Consumer Products.
Investment Stage: All stages
Claritas Capital is another private equity firm that funds startups at early and late stages. Founded in 2002 by Don McLemore and John H. Chadwick, Claritas Capital has provided funding to more than 45 companies in Tennessee. Investors usually invest in companies that can generate high profits and succeed in the early years of investment.
Moreover, Claritas Capital also hosts a variety of networking events, including their Summer Cocktail Series, where they host business leaders, strategic investors, and industry experts. They also host specific events for women in business, entrepreneurs, healthcare leaders, strategic partners, sports & entertainment figures, and real estate developers/investors.
The investment range of Claritas Capital ranges from $2 million to $5 million in investment capital or equity. Some of their recent portfolio companies are:
InnovAge (Nasdaq: INNV): InnovAge is the largest Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) company in the country.
Seniorlink: Seniorlink is a tech-enabled care management company. It offers innovative solutions for the aging population, providing families with online tools and professional support to prevent or delay institutional care.
Esperta Health: Esperta Health is a wound care company. It provides advanced wound care services to patients in various healthcare settings.
Entrada: Entrada is a leading provider of integrated mobile solutions that improve healthcare efficiencies.
Almost every successful CEO has experienced a stage when things aren't going his way. In contrast, many early-stage or seed-stage startups want to secure funding from investors but always question what is the way to do so.
Simply put, you can easily pitch to angel investors if you have a dedicated team, a solid pitch deck, and, most importantly, a startup with massive growth potential.
Allow me to explain these things a little further.
Your pitch deck plays a very important role when securing an investment. The best way to improve your pitch deck and maximize your chances of securing an investment is by seeing real-time pitch deck examples and some related tips.
Similarly, no venture capital firm wants to invest in a startup for fun. Investors want high profits within the shortest time, and your idea must be a visual demonstration.
Try to present stats and profit percentages rather than blunt claims to ensure investors can trust your idea and fund your startup.
So, with the tips and list of top angel investors in Knoxville ending, I hope you will be able to successfully pitch investors.
Instead of targeting just one angel investor, it is always recommended to shortlist multiple investors at once, research thoroughly and pitch to them accordingly.
Good Luck!
A: Early-stage startups refer to recently established companies in their formative stages. These startups need initial funding from angel investors to fuel growth and bring their innovative products or services to the market. This phase is characterized by high potential for growth and innovation and higher risk.
A: An angel investor group is a collection of affluent individuals who pool their financial resources to invest in early-stage startups and small businesses. These investors, known as angel investors, typically provide funding, mentorship, and expertise to help entrepreneurs grow their ventures.
Joining an angel investor group allows individuals to diversify their investment portfolio, collaborate with like-minded investors, share due diligence efforts, and collectively make larger investments in promising startups.
A: There are many things angel investos look for in a specific startup. To pitch angel investors, try to follow these guidelines:
Prepare a compelling business plan highlighting your unique value proposition, market opportunity, and financial projections.
Craft a concise and engaging pitch that communicates your passion and expertise.
Research potential investors to find those interested in your industry.
Secure a warm introduction if possible.
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