News Release For Immediate Release
January 30, 2024
Asheville Angels Celebrates 10-Year Milestone and Rebranding VentureSouth Asheville
Key Highlights:
- 10 Years of Impact: Celebrating a decade of fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs.
- $80 Million Invested: VentureSouth Asheville has played a vital role in contributing to VentureSouth’s cumulative investment of over $80 million in startups.
- Rebranding: Asheville Angels transitions to VentureSouth Asheville, reflecting a unified identity within the VentureSouth network.
Link to RSVP to Lunch and Learn Event
In a momentous celebration of a decade of innovation and investment, VentureSouth Asheville proudly announces its 10th anniversary. Founded as Asheville Angels in April 2014, the group has played a pivotal role in supporting and shaping the startup landscape in the Southeastern region.
Asheville Angels joined VentureSouth as its first chapter outside the state of South Carolina.
“All that time, we’ve held on to the original ‘Asheville Angels’ name. Given the immense growth and success of VentureSouth, this milestone feels like the appropriate time to align branding throughout the greater organization,” said Jeffrey Kaplan, Market Director for VentureSouth and Executive Director of Venture Asheville, the high-growth entrepreneurship initiative of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville – Buncombe County (EDC) and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
What began as a local initiative has evolved into a thriving chapter under the umbrella of VentureSouth, the renowned early-stage venture fund headquartered in Greenville, SC. Asheville Angels has been a key contributor to VentureSouth’s success, demonstrating how engaged investors can help fund and support entrepreneurs in cities of all sizes and locations and contributing substantially to the total capital invested of over $80 million in over 100 companies.
With nearly 600 active investors across 20+ cities ranging from Jacksonville, Florida to Central Virginia, VentureSouth has consistently ranked among the Top 10 angel investor groups in the United States since 2014.
To mark this occasion, Asheville Angels is proud to announce its rebranding to VentureSouth Asheville. This transition aims to align the local chapter more closely with the VentureSouth brand and leverage the momentum behind this influential investment network.
“It has been a great pleasure to add our small contribution to the growing startup community in Asheville since the launch of Asheville Angels a decade ago,” said Paul Clark, cofounder of VentureSouth.
Clark, who is lucky enough to spend much of his time in Asheville, will be participating in an educational event to mark the milestone next month.
The Rebranding Celebration Lunch and Learn with AMA on Angel Investing takes place Feb. 6th from 12-1 p.m. at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The community is invited to the event which marks a decade of success while celebrating the beginning of a new and exciting chapter as VentureSouth Asheville. The program includes an engaging “Ask Me Anything” session on angel investing, providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions of seasoned investors, addressing the crucial aspects of maintaining a balance of control in angel investing, with a focus on board service and responsibilities. RSVP required at https://teamup.com/event/show/id/kMpcFZFYhvTnqUJHnKgxag8DqLBVSc
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Event Information:
Rebranding Celebration Lunch and Learn with AMA on Angel Investing
February 6, 2024 from12-1 p.m.
Asheville Chamber of Commerce, 2nd floor Board Room. 36 Montford Ave
VentureSouth Asheville is excited to invite the community to a special Lunch and Learn event hosted at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. This event marks the official announcement of the chapter’s rebranding from Asheville Angels to VentureSouth Asheville. Speakers include Jeffrey Kaplan, Director of Venture Asheville, and Paul Clark, Managing Director of VentureSouth.
Agenda:
- Welcome and Introduction: Overview of VentureSouth Asheville’s 10-year journey and contribution to the Southeastern startup ecosystem.
- Rebranding Unveiling: Official announcement and unveiling of the new VentureSouth Asheville identity.
- AMA Session on Angel Investing, Balancing Control in Angel Investing, Board Service and Responsibilities: Engaging Ask Me Anything session on angel investing, providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions to seasoned investors, addressing the crucial aspects of maintaining a balance of control in angel investing, with a focus on board service and responsibilities.
RSVP Information:
- To attend this exclusive event, please RSVP by February 3rd at https://teamup.com/event/show/id/kMpcFZFYhvTnqUJHnKgxag8DqLBVSc
- This Lunch and Learn event promises to be an insightful and celebratory occasion, bringing together the VentureSouth Asheville community and those interested in the dynamics of angel investing.
- Lunch is included, but RSVP is required.
