What is VentureSouth?
VentureSouth is an early-stage venture investing network. We connect angel investors with vetted, high-potential startups across the Southeast, and back the entrepreneurs we invest in with capital, expertise, and an active network of support. VentureSouth is part of Vicinity Ventures, a platform for local alternative asset investing.
Do I need to be an experienced angel investor to join?
No. We welcome seasoned investors, but over half of our 500+ members joined with no prior angel investment experience. We provide education and a collaborative screening and diligence process designed to help newer investors build the judgment and confidence to invest well.
Do I need to be an accredited investor?
Yes, for most VentureSouth private deals, investors must meet SEC accreditation requirements. If you're not yet accredited, our parent platform Vicinity Ventures also offers Reg CF (crowdfunding) opportunities open to a broader range of investors — a good way to get familiar with early-stage investing while you work toward accreditation.
How much does membership cost, and what's the minimum investment?
It costs $3,000 per year to be a VentureSouth member.
There are lower tier membership available, as well as monthly options. You can review current terms at Vicinity Ventures before committing, or reach out to our team directly with questions.
There are no minimum investment requirements; if you do not like any opportunities, you do not have to invest. If you decide to invest, the minimum for a single investment is $5,000.
What's the relationship between VentureSouth and Vicinity Ventures?
VentureSouth is part of Vicinity Ventures, an alternative asset platform focused on local investing across the Southeast. You become a "VentureSouth member" by creating an account on Vicinity Ventures and selecting the VentureSouth membership tier. This structure lets us offer access to private tech-focused deals and a broader range of other investment opportunities, including crowdfunding (Reg CF) and non-tech investments.
How much time does membership actually require?
That's up to you. VentureSouth runs regular in-person meetings across our Southeast markets (plus virtual options), monthly screening sessions where members evaluate new pitches, and an annual Summit. Many members are as active or as hands-off as their schedule allows — you choose which deals to evaluate and invest in, and staff handle the heavy lifting of diligence and administration.
What does the investment process look like?
- Introduction: Most companies come to us through a warm intro from a member, portfolio company, or trusted ecosystem partner.
- Screening meeting: Selected companies pitch to members who which to take further.
- Due diligence: Our staff-led diligence team of volunteer members review financials, legal documents, and references.
- Roadshow: Companies that clear diligence present at member meetings across our markets.
- Investment: If enough members commit, we make a capital call to anyone interested, and close the round.
We invest in ~1% of companies that start this process, selecting the most impressive startups in the region.
What kind of returns has VentureSouth generated?
Across more than 130 companies, VentureSouth has built a track record that includes over 30 exited companies, including recent examples at Zipit Wireless, UrbanSDK, Nirvana Sciences, and many more. We have also, of course, faced the inevitable losses that come with early-stage investing. We share detailed portfolio performance, including realized gains and losses, with members — ask us for specifics any time.
Geography
Where does VentureSouth invest?
We invest 100% of our capital in the Southeast — the region we know, live in, and can actively support. We're industry-agnostic, but we look for scalable, capital-efficient companies with real signals of product-market fit, defensible moats (often technology-driven), and strong, trustworthy teams.
What markets does VentureSouth operate in?
VentureSouth members meet across several Southeastern cities, with a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. See our Markets page for current locations — you don't have to live in one of these markets to join, but many members find it valuable to attend meetings near them.
Can I invest from outside the Southeast?
Yes. While our portfolio companies are based in the Southeast, our membership is open to investors anywhere who want exposure to this region's startup ecosystem.
How do I get started?
Visit Vicinity Ventures today to set up your account in the "VentureSouth membership" tier.
If you'd like to talk through membership first, feel free to reach out to our team with questions.
Still have questions? Check out these "10 Myths of Angel Investing" podcasts to cover some myths and misconceptions about angel investing, and how regular people in the southeast can get started.
