Startup Funding in Tennessee

Discover 9+ active venture capital funds in Tennessee. Find the right investors for your startup.

9
Active VC Funds
$8.333333347796668e+55B
Median Check Size
0
Recent Filings (90d)
$7.500000013017001e+56B
Total AUM
All fund data verified against SEC EDGAR Form D filings as of February 2026.

Tennessee Venture Capital Landscape

Ecosystem Overview

Tennessee ranks #1 globally for startup ecosystem strength, with over 45,000 active startups and180 unicorn companies.

The state has seen 450 successful exits in the past 12 months, demonstrating strong investor confidence and market maturity.

Top Investment Sectors

Artificial IntelligenceFintechBiotech

Market Insights

Investment Climate

Highly competitive market with abundant capital and experienced talent pool

Funding Trends

Strong growth with increased competition for quality deals

Emerging Opportunities

Vertical SaaSAI InfrastructureClimate Tech

VC Funds Directory

Verified
series-a$75MTechnology, healthcare
seed$13MPooled Investment Fund
pre-seed$5MPooled Investment Fund
Verified
growth$1M - $100MInvesting
Verified
growth$1M - $100MInvesting
Verified
growth$1M - $100MInvesting
seed$10MPooled Investment Fund
pre-seed$5MPooled Investment Fund
pre-seed$1M - $200MPooled Investment Fund

How to Approach Tennessee VCs

1. Research & Targeting

  • • Review recent portfolio companies and investment thesis
  • • Analyze check sizes and stage preferences
  • • Look for sector-specific expertise and connections
  • • Check partner backgrounds and interests

2. Warm Introductions

  • • Leverage portfolio company founders for introductions
  • • Connect through accelerator programs and events
  • • Use LinkedIn and mutual connections effectively
  • • Attend Tennessee startup and investor meetups

3. Pitch Preparation

  • • Tailor your pitch to the fund's investment criteria
  • • Highlight local market opportunities and advantages
  • • Prepare detailed financial projections and metrics
  • • Show clear path to next funding milestones

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average check size for Tennessee VC funds?

Tennessee VC funds typically invest around $8.333333347796668e+55B per round, with early-stage funds focusing on $500K-$2M seed rounds and growth funds writing checks of $10M+. The median check size across 9 active funds is $8.333333347796668e+55B.

How many VC funds are active in Tennessee?

There are 9 active, contact-verified VC funds in Tennessee with a combined AUM of $7.500000013017001e+56B. Of these, 0 have filed with the SEC in the last 90 days, indicating recent fundraising or investment activity.

What industries do Tennessee VCs focus on?

The most active investment sectors in Tennessee are Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Biotech. Many funds invest across multiple sectors, but these represent the highest concentration of dedicated capital.

How long does the fundraising process typically take?

Most Tennessee startups take 3-6 months to close their funding round, from initial outreach to signed term sheet. This includes 2-4 weeks for initial meetings, 4-8 weeks for due diligence, and 2-4 weeks for legal documentation.

What stage do most Tennessee VCs invest at?

Tennessee has investors across all stages: pre-seed ($50K-$500K), seed ($500K-$2M), Series A ($2M-$15M), and growth ($15M+). The average equity taken is 15-20% for Series A rounds. Use the stage filters above to find funds matching your current round.

What's the typical equity taken by Tennessee VCs?

Early-stage VCs in Tennessee typically take 15-25% equity in a Series A round, while seed investors may take 10-20%. The exact amount depends on valuation, round size, and negotiation. Pre-seed rounds through SAFEs often defer valuation entirely.

How do I find the right VC for my startup?

Start by filtering funds by your industry and stage above. Look for VCs with relevant portfolio companies, check their recent SEC filings to confirm they're actively deploying capital, and prioritize funds where you can get a warm introduction through mutual connections or portfolio founders.