Unlocking Capital in Memphis: Top VCs and Startup Support

Angelina Graumann

Memphis, Tennessee, is rapidly redefining its reputation—emerging not only as a city rich in culture and history but also as a strategic hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the Southeast. Today, Memphis offers a compelling environment for ambitious founders: a unique combination of affordability, industry expertise, and a collaborative business community attracting both emerging startups and established investors.

For founders seeking to secure venture capital and scale their businesses, understanding the nuances of the Memphis ecosystem is essential. The city’s venture capital landscape is evolving quickly, with increased investor interest in healthcare, logistics, AgTech, and B2B technology sectors. At the same time, Memphis’s supportive infrastructure—ranging from accelerators and research institutions to government-backed incentives—provides founders with the resources and networks needed to thrive.

This guide is designed to help founders navigate the Memphis VC scene. We'll delve into the top venture capital firms actively investing in the region, current ecosystem trends, key networking opportunities, and point you toward invaluable local resources tailored to founders building and scaling startups in Memphis.

Top VCs in Memphis

Innova Memphis

Innova Memphis logo
Innova Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Series A, Series B, Early Stage
Add to pipeline

About: Innova Memphis is a venture capital & private equity company and invests in early stage businesses related to biosciences, healthcare, technology, and AgTech.

ZeroTo510

ZeroTo510 logo
ZeroTo510
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Accelerator, Pre-Seed
Add to pipeline

About: We’re a Memphis-based medical technology program that supports early-stage founders looking to accelerate toward commercialization. ZeroTo510 is a unique, entrepreneurial accelerator program focusing on medical devices.

MB Venture Partners

MB Venture Partners logo
MB Venture Partners
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Seed, Series A, Series B
Add to pipeline

About: MB Venture Partners is a Memphis-based venture capital firm that provides capital and strategic direction to life science companies. MBVP was founded by Gary Stevenson and Joseph R. “Pitt” Hyde III. The Firm invests in primarily in medical device start-ups at all stages of development. We are especially interested in funding product solutions for musculoskeletal disease. Johnson and Johnson, Medtronic, Smith + Nephew, Zimmer Biomet, and Wright Medical (now part of Stryker) have each acquired MBVP-funded start-ups. MBVP has been the largest sponsor and Conference Host of the Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference for more than 20 years.

EPIcenter

EPIcenter logo
EPIcenter
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Pre-Seed
Add to pipeline

About: Epicenter’s mission is to drive innovation and support high-growth entrepreneurship in Memphis. We believe that fostering these ideas and businesses is crucial for the city's thriving economy.

SSM Partners

SSM Partners logo
SSM Partners
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Add to pipeline

About: SSM invests in rapidly-growing software and tech-enabled services companies across B2B and healthcare. The firm has been partnering with talented entrepreneurs and management teams for more than 20 years to help them scale by building a trusted relationship and offering a thorough understanding of the growth company lifecycle and a collaborative approach to building great businesses. SSM makes minority and majority equity investments of $8 to $30 million per opportunity.

Sparkgap

sparkgap logo
sparkgap
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Pre-Seed
Add to pipeline

About: Our 115-day accelerator program provides logistics tech founders with crucial early-stage funding, as well as mentoring from some of the top figures in the industry. But more importantly, Sparkgap enables you to test and hone real ideas using real corporate assets — all in the real-life laboratory of America’s logistics capital.

Fundraising in Memphis: Insights, Trends, and Local Resources for Startup Founders

Current Fundraising Trends in Memphis

The Memphis startup ecosystem is seeing increased interest from local and regional investors, especially in healthcare, logistics, AgTech, and B2B SaaS sectors. Investors seek founders who demonstrate strong market understanding, scalable business models, and a commitment to the Memphis community. Early-stage funding is available through local VCs and angel networks, while growth-stage capital often comes from a mix of Memphis-based and national firms.

Start Your Free Trial
Try Visible for Free for 14 Days.
Start Your Free Trial
14-Day Free Trial - No CC Required

How to Approach Memphis VCs

Memphis VCs value authentic relationships and a clear understanding of how your startup fits into the local and regional economy. Warm introductions through local accelerators, founder networks, or university programs can be especially effective. Tailor your pitch to highlight not just your business model, but also your commitment to growing in Memphis and contributing to the local ecosystem. Attend local events and leverage platforms like Epicenter Memphis to connect with investors and mentors.

Key Networking Opportunities

Networking is essential in Memphis, where the startup community is close-knit and collaborative. Some of the most valuable opportunities include:

  • Epicenter Events: Regular workshops, meetups, and demo days for entrepreneurs.
  • Start Co. Programs: Accelerator cohorts and alumni events that connect founders with investors and advisors.
  • ZeroTo510 Demo Day: A showcase for medical device startups, attracting investors from across the region.

Local Accelerator and Incubator Programs

Memphis is home to several accelerators and incubators that provide funding, mentorship, and community:

  • Start Co.: Focuses on B2B, logistics, women-led, and social impact startups.
  • ZeroTo510: Specializes in medical device startups, offering seed funding and regulatory guidance.
  • Epicenter: Offers a range of programs for founders at every stage, including capital access and business support.

University and Research Institution Resources

The University of Memphis and other local institutions are active in supporting startups through research partnerships, talent pipelines, and commercialization programs. Founders can access student interns, faculty expertise, and technology transfer offices to accelerate product development and innovation.

Start Your Free Trial
Try Visible for Free for 14 Days.
Start Your Free Trial
14-Day Free Trial - No CC Required

Government and Nonprofit Support

Memphis startups can tap into a variety of grants, tax incentives, and support programs from the city, state, and nonprofit organizations. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development offers incentives for job creation and innovation, while local nonprofits like Epicenter provide grants and business development resources.

Memphis Startup Ecosystem in 2025: Key Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges for Founders

Emerging Industry Trends

Memphis continues to build on its legacy as a logistics powerhouse, with FedEx’s global headquarters anchoring a robust supply chain and transportation sector. In recent years, the city has also seen a surge in healthcare innovation, driven by the presence of world-class institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a growing number of healthtech startups. AgTech is another rising star, leveraging the region’s agricultural roots and new technologies to address food production and sustainability. Fintech and social impact ventures are also gaining traction, supported by local investors and accelerators focused on mission-driven founders.

Opportunities Unique to Memphis

Memphis offers several advantages that set it apart from other startup hubs. Its central location makes it a natural logistics and distribution center, providing startups with access to national and international markets. Strong partnerships between universities, research institutions, and industry create a fertile ground for innovation and commercialization.

Memphis offers a cost of living about 11% lower than the national average, with housing and office space costs significantly below those in major U.S. cities. This affordability extends to labor and operational expenses, giving startups a longer runway and making Memphis especially attractive for founders looking to maximize their capital efficiency. Tennessee’s lack of state income tax and local business tax incentives further enhance the city’s appeal for entrepreneurs.

Start Your Free Trial
Try Visible for Free for 14 Days.
Start Your Free Trial
14-Day Free Trial - No CC Required

Challenges Facing Memphis Startups

While Memphis offers many advantages, founders should be prepared for certain challenges. Access to late-stage capital can be more limited compared to larger markets, making it important to build relationships with both local and national investors early on. Talent retention is another hurdle, as some skilled professionals may be drawn to larger tech hubs. Scaling beyond the Memphis market requires strategic planning and often, partnerships outside the region. Founders must also navigate a business environment that, while supportive, is still developing the infrastructure and density of more established startup cities.

Ecosystem Growth Initiatives

To address these challenges and fuel continued growth, Memphis is investing in a range of ecosystem initiatives. Public and private organizations are expanding accelerator programs, increasing access to early-stage capital, and launching diversity and inclusion efforts to ensure all founders have a seat at the table. Infrastructure improvements, such as new coworking spaces and innovation districts, are making it easier for startups to collaborate and scale. Cross-regional partnerships with other Southeastern cities are also opening new doors for Memphis founders.

Connect With Investors in Memphis Using Visible

At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.

With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.

Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.

Start Your Free Trial
Try Visible for Free for 14 Days.
Start Your Free Trial
14-Day Free Trial - No CC Required
You may also enjoy:
Customer Stories
Building Trust and Vulnerability in Business with Max Yoder
On the fourth episode of the Thrive Through Connection Podcast, we welcome Max Yoder, the Founder of Lessonly and author of Do Better Work. Lessonly was an Indianapolis-based company that grew to over 300 employees and $30 million in annual recurring revenue before being acquired by Seismic in 2021. Max joins us to share the lessons he learned from scaling Lessonly and writing Do Better Work. About Max In addition to growing Lessonly to 300+ employees and leading it through a successful exit, Max became known for his thoughtful approach to leadership, insights he captured in his book, Do Better Work. He’s had a front-row seat to the highs, lows, and daily challenges that startup founders and leaders face. In this episode, Max breaks down the countless relationships that shaped both Lessonly and Do Better Work. Mike, the CEO and Founder of Visible, had an opportunity to sit down and chat with Max. You can give the full episode a listen below: Spotify Link Apple Link What You Can Expect to Learn from Max How the mission and vision for Lessonly came to life How mentors helped shape decision-making and strategy in the early days The advantages of having a strong network What it means to lead with vulnerability The importance of aligning with investors and partners Stay up to date with the Thrive Through Connection Podcast by subscribing wherever you listen to your podcast. You can find links to your favorite podcast hosts below: YouTube Spotify Apple
Fundraising
Finding the Right Investors with Laurel Hess
Reporting
Navigating Investor Relationships with Brett Brohl
Fundraising
Going From Operator to Funder with Leo Polovets