VentureSouth launching early stage investment group in Savannah

VentureSouth, one of the largest early stage investment firms in the country, announced the launch of their most recent expansion group—912 Angels.

Savannah will become VentureSouth’s 23rd community, which brings resources of a professionally-led, early-stage Venture Capital firm to local investors. Its nearly 600 members have invested $80 million in more than 120 companies across the region. VentureSouth angel groups already operate in Charlotte, Chattanooga, Jacksonville, Charleston and Norfolk, to name a few, and it has been consistently recognized by the Angel Capital Association as one of the top groups in America.

Liz Lientz Macfadyen, a Savannah native, and an experienced early stage operator, who has worked with multiple startups in both the UK and USA, will serve as the Director of 912 Angels, which has already grown to include nearly 20 of Savannah’s most prolific business leaders.

“I’m thrilled to be leading this VentureSouth expansion in Savannah,” said Liz Lientz Macfadyen. “The value that VentureSouth’s model will establish here follows a proven and methodical process that leverages the collective expertise of hundreds of investors who screen investment opportunities and conduct professional due diligence. This model builds upon the strong foundation of experienced investors in Savannah, but more importantly, it opens the door to newer investors through a vast array of educational events, as well as the opportunity to sit on boards and engage directly with founders.”

VentureSouth has also worked closely with the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) on their expansion. Trip Tollison, SEDA’s President and CEO stated, “VentureSouth’s in-depth knowledge of early-stage investing, expertise, and proven track record provides a unique opportunity to meet the growing demand in Savannah for startup investment, and we welcome them to our community.”

VentureSouth Managing Director Charlie Banks states, “We’ve been impressed by the increasing momentum for launching and scaling early-stage companies in the region, as well as the pent-up demand to invest in high-growth companies by the Savannah investor base. We believe our professional approach to investing, coupled with the education we provide to local founders, will be a valuable addition to the ecosystem, and we’re excited to bring VentureSouth to this beautiful city.”

912 Angels will meet in person on a quarterly basis to connect with other experienced professionals, gain exposure to emerging technologies, see live pitch investment opportunities, hear due diligence reports, and learn from VentureSouth’s vast knowledge of what it takes to be successful as early stage investors. In addition to the quarterly meetings, members can take advantage of monthly screening meetings, educational workshops, and portfolio reviews.

“As part of our community commitment to educate entrepreneurs, we are also offering expertise and workshops to area high schools and colleges—two of which were recently conducted at Beach High School and Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business. We are hoping to expand these to other local schools, so please reach out if your school is interested in participating,” said Liz Macfadyen.

Investors pay an annual membership fee, which includes one additional spouse or partner, and there is no obligation to make an investment. If one sees an opportunity they would like to invest in, the minimum is only $5,000 per investment.

To learn more about 912 Angels and VentureSouth, the organization is hosting a series of virtual information sessions, with the first one scheduled for December 16, 2024 at noon. To register, please visit 912angels.com.

912 Angels, Powered by VentureSouth, is a leading early-stage investment organization located in Savannah, Georgia providing education, due diligence, deal flow, networking, collaboration and opportunities to invest in a professionally-curated pipeline of Southeast-based companies.