The short answer
Our database lists 273 startup investors based in Tennessee, concentrated in Nashville (188), Chattanooga (21), Knoxville (15). 60 are angels or syndicates and 73 list pre-seed as a stage they invest in. (Zalarma investor database, as of 2026-11-01.)
Where they are in Tennessee
Cities with at least 10 startup investors listed in our database.
| City | Startup investors |
|---|---|
| Nashville | 188 |
| Chattanooga | 21 |
| Knoxville | 15 |
| Franklin | 13 |
What stages they back
Of the 142 records in Tennessee that list a stage, here is how many invest at each one (investors often list several).
Investors by stage
Who they are
The mix of investor types tells you where your first checks are most likely to come from.
Investors by type
Sectors they focus on
Sector focus as listed on each record. Generalists who list many sectors are counted in each.
Investors by sector focus
Typical check sizes
Based on the 142 records that list a check size (we use the low end of a stated range).
Investors by typical check size
Firms with the most investors listed in Tennessee
Firms ranked by how many of their investors in Tennessee appear in our database with a stage listed. A useful starting map of who is active locally, not a ranking of quality.
| Firm | Main stages | Listed |
|---|---|---|
| Resolute Capital Partners | Series B+ | under 10 |
| Lead Capital Partners | Pre-seed, Seed | under 10 |
| Altitude Ventures | Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| Mountain Group Partners | Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| FINTOP Capital | Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| Petra Capital Partners | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| FCA Venture Partners | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
| Daytrip Ventures | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| BrainTrust | Pre-seed, Seed | under 10 |
| Lorimer Ventures | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A | under 10 |
| River Associates Investments, L.P. | Pre-seed, Seed | under 10 |
| River Associates | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B+ | under 10 |
How to raise in Tennessee
- Start local. Nashville has the deepest bench in the state, followed by Chattanooga. Local investors can meet you in person, check references fast and introduce you to the next check.
- Family offices outnumber angels in our Tennessee data (82 vs 60). Many invest directly in companies tied to the region or to how the family built its wealth, so lead with the local story and expect a relationship-first process.
- Widen the circle to neighbouring states: Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama. Many regional investors back companies within a day's drive.
- Use a warm-intro plan for the top 25 names and a short cold email for the rest.
More Tennessee investor lists
About this data
Counts are records in the Zalarma investor database, as of 2026-11-01: angels, venture firms and their partners, micro-VCs, family offices, corporate VCs and accelerators that list startup investing. One investor can appear in several stage or sector rows. Stage, sector and check size come from what each record lists, so not every record has every field. Counts under 10 are not shown. Firm names are listed; we do not publish personal contact details on this site. Read how we build and check the data.
Frequently asked questions
How many startup investors are in Tennessee?
The Zalarma investor database lists 273 startup investors based in Tennessee as of 2026-11-01, including angels, venture firms and their partners, family offices, corporate VCs and accelerators.
Which Tennessee cities have the most startup investors?
In our data: Nashville (188), Chattanooga (21), Knoxville (15), Franklin (13).
Are there pre-seed investors in Tennessee?
Yes. 73 startup investors in Tennessee list pre-seed as a stage they invest in, and 123 list seed.
Do Tennessee investors only fund Tennessee companies?
No. Many invest regionally or nationally, but local investors are often the fastest first checks because they can meet you and check references in person. Check each investor's focus before reaching out.
How do I get introduced to these investors?
Shortlist the 20 to 30 investors whose stage, sector and check size fit your round, then look for a warm path through founders they backed, local angel groups, lawyers and accelerators. Zalarma can build that shortlist for you.