Investor Match Day Returns to Greenville’s Next Venture Summit
Greenville is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for the much-anticipated Next Venture Summit, slated to take place on September 17-18 at the historic Judson Mill. Following a successful debut last year, the Investor Match Day is making its return, promising to foster enriching interactions between company founders and potential investors.
A Growing Tradition
For nine years now, the Next Venture Summit has established itself as the go-to event for Greenville’s entrepreneurial community, guided by NextGEN’s mission to nurture and grow local startups. Eric Weissmann, Executive Director of NextGEN, shared his enthusiasm for the summit, highlighting its role in helping founders connect with each other while gaining practical insights from breakout sessions and keynote addresses.
What makes this year’s Investor Match Day special is the meticulous application and vetting process that participating startups must complete. This year, 40 founders will have the unique opportunity to meet with representatives from 20 investment firms from across the U.S. to explore whether their businesses are a suitable fit for venture capital.
A Fresh Perspective on Venture Capital
According to Michael Cohn, co-founder and managing partner of Overline VC, the emergence of startup hotspots like Greenville showcases that incredible companies can sprout from unexpected places. Traditionally, venture capital has gravitated towards coastal cities like Silicon Valley, but Cohn’s firm is flipping the script by investing in burgeoning areas in the Southeast.
Cohn emphasized the importance of the vetting process before Investor Match Day. He stated, “Great founders find their way to capital. We’re simply trying to make it a little bit more accessible and focus on areas that others may have overlooked.” This streamlined approach aims to enhance startups’ chances of securing investment and growing into successful companies.
More Than Money: The Need for Guidance
While access to capital is valuable, founders are increasingly seeking out mentorship and support along their journeys. Carrie Colbert, founder of Houston-based Curate Capital, noted that women entrepreneurs often face the additional challenge of feeling isolated, as their businesses have faced chronic underfunding. Colbert encouraged founders to engage with available communities instead of tackling challenges entirely on their own.
“You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself,” Colbert remarked. “There are vibrant online communities and events like the Next Venture Summit that can provide critical support.” This ethos aligns perfectly with the objectives of Investor Match Day, which is as much about community building as it is about securing investments.
Spotlighting Greenville’s Creative Economy
Greenville is becoming a recognized hub for innovation, attracting attention from firms like Mercury Fund, led by managing director Blair Garrou. Garrou pointed out that the city’s natural charm and thriving environment are key elements in drawing a talented workforce, which is essential for an innovative economy. He mentioned that coffee shops, co-working spaces, and repurposed venues often signify a community poised for growth.
“Innovation doesn’t stop on the coasts,” Garrou stated. “You can start your company anywhere, and we want to invest where the action is.” This sentiment captures the increasingly diverse landscape of startup ecosystems, demonstrating that remarkable entrepreneurship can flourish in environments beyond traditional tech hubs.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem
The developments in Greenville didn’t happen overnight. Scott Millwood, one of the original founders of NextGEN, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive network among local stakeholders. He and his partner, Shay Houser, launched the venture capital firm Founderville to specifically address the void of local investment. Their efforts successfully raised over $6.8 million from community members, making Greenville more attractive to external investors.
Millwood expressed pride in the foundation laid for Greenville’s tech community, stating, “The work we’ve done in building our infrastructure is starting to yield results.” The convergence of resources, guidance, and investment reflects a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for startups.
Summary of Next Venture Summit
The Next Venture Summit is set for September 17-18 at Judson Mill, located at 701 Easley Bridge Road, Greenville. With the return of the Investor Match Day and an exciting lineup of events, this summit promises to be a key opportunity for innovators and investors alike.
