VentureSouth, one of the largest angel investment groups in the United States, is announcing its newest market expansion, VentureSouth Chattanooga.
Chattanooga will become the 18th community throughout the Southeast with a VentureSouth angel group, which brings resources of a professionally-led early stage venture capital firm to local investors. VentureSouth, with nearly 500 members and $70M invested in 90+ early stage companies, has been consistently recognized by the Angel Capital Association as one of the top 10 groups in North America.
Jay Shaffer, a Chattanooga-based prolific angel investor and board member of the nearby Atlanta Tech Angels, will serve as the market director of VentureSouth Chattanooga.
“I am thrilled to be raising the VentureSouth banner in Chattanooga," said Mr. Shaffer. "The value of VentureSouth’s model is that it follows a methodical and proven process that leverages the collective expertise of hundreds of investors, who screen investment opportunities and conduct professional due diligence. Their highly-professional and successful process will undoubtedly lead to the growth of Chattanooga’s already burgeoning entrepreneurship ecosystem."
Charlie Banks, a managing director of VentureSouth, said, "History has proven that many of the country’s most successful companies were born during peculiar economic times. Thus, given the current environment, there will be significant opportunities for investors to gain exposure to many exciting, high-growth companies. There is discernible energy here for what VentureSouth brings, and we believe Chattanooga is a perfect fit for us.”
VentureSouth Chattanooga will host an information session and formal kickoff event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. To learn more about VentureSouth Chattanooga or to register for the event, please visit www.venturesouth.vc/events/tennessee-kick-off.