VentureSouth | Engaging potential investors and showcasing Chattanooga entrepreneurs
The event featured a panel on alternative investment, and several pitches from Chattanooga-based start-ups.
In a first-of-its-kind event, Jay Shaffer, the Market Director for VentureSouth, welcomed entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and community members into the Ultra Club at the Finley Stadium.
The purpose of the event was to facilitate meaningful connections between VentureSouth investing members, Vicinity Capital users, and the general entrepreneurial community in Chattanooga. The key programming for the evening was based around inspiring potential investors to get off the sidelines, either through venture capital or crowdfunding.
Matt Dunbar, the Managing Director of Venture South, Josh Rollins, the Founder of Vicinity Capital, and Andrew Stephenson, a Partner at Crowd Check, shared insights for how curious potential investors can get involved and how entrepreneurs can tap into the network.
For example, Dunbar said VentrueSouth is an early-stage investment firm that operates angel investor groups and funds across the Southeast. Their total network includes more than 500 investors who have backed 121 companies with a total of $93 million (and counting).
Vicintiy, on the other hand, is a highly curated local investment platform connecting people with vetted local investment opportunities. With roots back to 2019, Vicinity Capital has already onboarded about 2,400 users, 1,200 investors, and facilitated about 20 deals totalling $18 million. It’s a crowdfunding model with a local twist.
Crowd Check is a compliance and due diligence company that helps early-stage companies—especially those raising capital online—stay legally compliant and transparent with investors.
After an insightful conversation about venture capital and crowdfunding, about five Chattanooga-based start-ups pitched elevator style.
One of those companies was TEREN. The small, yet nimble brand has launched 13 products since 2018. Thye produce versatile, minimalist outdoor apparel—think “trail‑to‑town” pants, shirts, and jackets that transition easily from hiking to city life.
The co-founder, Chris Loizeaux shared that they have built a cult following via viral Kickstarter launches, and will soon be delivering a long-awaited women’s line.
The company’s emphasis is on sustainable, low‑branding design that is practical for multiple uses.
Loizeaux and his team brought some of the best-selling pants, shorts, and fire-proof puffer jackets for attendees to feel and evaluate up close.
Other companies who boothed and pitched at the event included Borrowed Luxury, Brooks Band, CaddySpace, Liberty in a Can, and more.
The VentureSouth Chattanooga Summit was open to VentureSouth members, Vicinity Capital users, and everyone around Chattanooga who was interested in exploring “local alternative investments.”
Shaffer cultivated an atmosphere of intentional connection between some of the ecosytems movers, shakers, and up and comers.
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