FAQs

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 plenty of our 500+ members joined with no prior angel investing experience. We provide member education and a collaborative screening and diligence process specifically 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 is $3,000 per year to be a VentureSouth member. 

There are lower tier membership available, as well as monthly membership 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 in them. If you do 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 both access to private tech-focused deals and a broader range of public (Reg CF) opportunities.

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?

Roughly:

• Introduction — Most companies come to us through a warm intro from a member, portfolio company, or trusted ecosystem partner.
• Screening meeting — Companies pitch in a 30-minute recorded session that the full membership can watch and weigh in on.
• Due diligence — Our staff-led diligence team (and 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 and close the round.

We invest in roughly 2% of companies that start this process, but more than half of those that make it to the diligence stage.

What kind of returns has VentureSouth generated?

Across more than 300 investment rounds since 2008, VentureSouth has built a track record that includes multiple exits each year (recent examples include Protect3D, ProAxion, Zipit, and others) alongside 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 as part of your membership conversation.