We build entrepreneurs and get startups funded through three core initiatives: mentorship, financing, and events.
Learn more using the menu above or keep scrolling for highlights on the Asheville Startup Ecosystem.
Join us for a reinvented Venture Asheville Honors event where we will highlight the stories of how we are rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Helene. This event is not only a showcase of resilience, but a telethon to raise $1,000,000 for OptimistVentures, an emerging venture philanthropy fund for WNC entrepreneurs.
Hurricane Helene Business Resources
Response to the Hurricane Helene disaster is rapidly moving and changing. In the adjacent window you’ll find resources for locals and businesses organized in one place by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
In the following sections we will link as many ventures below that you can buy from to support these businesses in this critical time.
Support Asheville's Ventures From Afar
We’ll update these tabs as often as we can.
Please consider supporting the businesses, entrepreneurs, and employees at the companies that give Asheville its unique character.
SoulKu: “Handcrafted gemstone jewelry made by moms in Asheville, supporting women and empowering connections.” SoulKu.
Sarilla: “Sparkling tea beverages made with 100% plant-based, organic ingredients, supporting wellness and regenerative farming.” Sarilla.
French Broad Chocolates: “Handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolates inspired by Asheville, using ethically sourced cacao and a focus on sustainability.” French Broad Chocolates.
Plum Print: “Transforms children’s artwork and family memories into custom high-quality books and keepsakes.” Plum Print.
Ginger’s Revenge: “Craft brewery specializing in alcoholic ginger beer made with 95% organic ingredients and naturally gluten-free, inspired to create beverages that are both innovative and refreshing.” Ginger’s Revenge.
Fuel Goods: “Inclusive sports nutrition marketplace offering curated products and subscriptions for all athletes.” Fuel Goods.
Dare Vegan Cheese: “Artisan vegan cheeses crafted with plant-based ingredients for dairy-free enjoyment.” Dare Vegan Cheese.
Devil’s Foot Beverage Company: “Farm-to-can craft sodas and mixers made with organic roots and fruits.” Devil’s Foot Beverage Company.
Everyday Oil: “All-purpose botanical oils for skin care, made from organic and wild-harvested ingredients.” Everyday Oil.
Moonlight Makers: “Handmade and screen-printed gifts, apparel, and home decor with a humorous twist.” Moonlight Makers.
Better Thymes: “Natural food products handcrafted in small batches with a focus on health.” Better Thymes.
French Broad Pantry: “Artisan French pastries and pantry items available at Asheville farmers markets.” French Broad Pantry.
Spice Witch: “Handcrafted chili oils, chili crisps, and infused honey with a touch of magic.” Spice Witch.
Integral Electrics: “Designs cargo e-bikes for stability, versatility, and accessibility to all riders.” Integral Electrics.
Cúrate at Home: “Online marketplace offering Spanish ingredients, prepared foods, and culinary gifts.” Cúrate at Home.
Pirani: “Reusable, insulated tumblers promoting sustainable living and reducing waste.” Pirani Life.
Matcha Nude: “Affordable, organic matcha tea with 100% compostable packaging.” Matcha Nude.
18 Chestnuts: “Plant-based soups made with local ingredients for nutritious meals.” 18 Chestnuts.
East Perry: “Handmade, ethically sourced sheepskin rugs and artisan home decor.” East Perry.
Fashion Conservatory: “Vintage fashion platform for buying, selling, and researching unique pieces.” Fashion Conservatory.
Embodie ASL: “Offers a range of stylish apparel and accessories, blending fashion with inclusivity and awareness of American Sign Language (ASL).” Embodie ASL.
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Join our newsletter to stay up to date on Asheville’s startup community. Whether it’s companies that are hiring, startups receiving funding, events bringing the startup community together, or status updates on major initiatives like gig fiber for our city or climate tech at The Collider, Venture Asheville’s newsletter connects you to emerging developments that are propelling our startup community forward.
WHAT WE DO
Venture Asheville grows Asheville’s startup community and connects high-growth entrepreneurs to talent, mentors and investors through unique programming and events. We measure progress in terms of high-growth ventures created, seed and venture capital invested and high salary jobs generated. We’re excited about Asheville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We think you will be too.
METRICS
Jobs Created
Local Impact
Startups Funded
Capital Raised
STARTUP SCALING
Our Elevate program enables startup founders to navigate the practical, day-to-day challenges of scaling their ventures while developing their skills as effective managers, CEOs and leaders. It also positions and prepares them to raise early rounds of capital.
Ventures selected into Elevate benefit from Team Mentoring, modeled on the world-class MIT Venture Mentoring Service.
“This programming offered a framework and foundation that we used over and over again in our decision making processes. Moreover, the connections made through the program have been invaluable. Networking with peers and industry leaders not only sparked strategic partnerships but also opened doors to opportunities that would have been otherwise inaccessible. Truly, we wouldn’t be where we are today without Venture Asheville. “
— Laura Jorgensen, Co-Founder & CEO of Fuel Goods
In times past, Asheville has had a BYOJ (Bring Your Own Job) reputation. That outdated concept no longer applies to our startup city. Whether you’re a biz dev manager, an Internet of Things engineer, a front end programmer, a research analyst, or a digital marketing manager with growth hacker chops, you’ll find that companies in Asheville are increasingly looking for your skill sets.
The Venture Asheville Job Board is a great way to begin your search. While you’re there, sign up for updates to hear about new jobs in Asheville as soon as they’re posted.
On Wednesday mornings Asheville’s startup community gathers downtown for One Million Cups of Coffee (1MC). Each week 1 to 2 startup founders present their business to an audience of like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and supporters of AVL’s growing startup scene. Venture Asheville is a founding sponsor of 1MC, which is free and open to the public. Plus, there’s free coffee. Get details.
STARTUP FUNDING
VentureSouth Asheville, Venture Asheville’s angel investor network, is composed of 30 investors who meet monthly to evaluate investment opportunities in promising startups and early-stage ventures in Asheville and across the Southeast. Learn more about funding your startup through Asheville Angels.
Formed in October 2014 as Asheville Angels, to date has particicpated in nearly 100 startup funding rounds: Plum Print, Brightfield Transportation Solutions, 6AM City, Baebies, GoPivot, ActivED, PharmRight, Atlas Organics, Emrgy, Sensory Analytics, Target PharmaSolutions, FarmShots, VendorRegistry, and Proterra.
VentureSouth Asheville is a local chapter of VentureSouth, a recently rated top 10 Angel Group in the nation.
STARTUP RESOURCES
While Venture Asheville supports and specifically cultivates high-growth ventures headquartered in Asheville pursuing national and global markets, we also strive to ensure that local small business and lifestyle entrepreneurs can quickly find and access other local support resources that can increase their opportunities for success. Our startup resources map is a great way to get started.
See our Startup Resources section for even more ways to get connected.
