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Market Square Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Knoxville, Tennessee, founded in early 2024. The firm focuses on early-stage startups, particularly in Tennessee, the Southeast, and Appalachia. Market Square Ventures was established to support exceptional founders in regions that have historically been overlooked, aiming to foster innovation and growth in local economies.
The firm currently manages a median-sized fund and has a portfolio of 16 companies. Market Square Ventures is committed to investing in tech and tech-enabled startups that demonstrate strong product-market fit. The firm’s founding was facilitated by a regulatory change in Tennessee that exempted venture capital firms from full investment adviser registration, a change that the founders actively advocated for.
Market Square Ventures operates from its office located at 121 Tech Hub, 121 E. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. The firm is positioned to fill a capital gap in the Southeast and Appalachian corridor, providing essential funding to early-stage companies.
Market Square Ventures invests in early-stage startups across various sectors, including AI, healthcare, consumer products, food-agtech, fintech, climate, and commerce. The firm primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies, offering check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $250,000. This investment strategy is designed to support startups that demonstrate strong product-market fit and have the potential to make a significant impact in their respective industries.
The firm emphasizes its commitment to investing in traditionally overlooked regions, particularly in Tennessee and the Southeast. Market Square Ventures seeks to identify exceptional founders who are innovating in these areas. The firm’s investment thesis highlights a focus on technology and tech-enabled companies, aiming to drive growth and innovation in local economies.
Market Square Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 16 companies, showcasing its commitment to various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Market Square Ventures' focus on companies that are not only innovative but also have tangible product-market fit signals, such as FDA approvals and retail partnerships.
Brandon Bruce – Co-founder of Cirrus Insight, acquired in 2018. He is the CEO of Uncat and Managing Director of Techstars Industries of the Future. Brandon also founded the 100Knoxville initiative.
John Bruck – Founder of BHE Environmental and an angel investor with a 25-year career in environmental business. He is involved with multiple local entrepreneurship organizations.
Marty Brown – President and CEO of PYA, a CPA and consulting firm, bringing extensive experience in finance and business strategy.
Harry Boston, Ph.D. – Founder of Boston Government Services with over 30 years in engineering, federal contracting, and cybersecurity.
Rosa Mar – Former executive at Levi Strauss & Co. for 27 years, where she served as Global Sourcing Manager. She is currently the CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee.
To pitch Market Square Ventures, founders should email their pitch deck to brandon@marketsquareventures.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business, market analysis, and financial projections. Founders are encouraged to provide information on any existing traction or partnerships that demonstrate product-market fit.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold emails are also accepted.
Market Square Ventures has been active in the startup ecosystem since its founding in early 2024. The firm recently participated in various events, including the upcoming **Innovation Night at the Park** scheduled for May 13, 2026, and **Seed the South** in Charlotte.
In addition to hosting events, Market Square Ventures has made several investments in notable companies such as **Adele Health**, which is pursuing FDA approval for its all-in-one glucose monitor, and **Blank Beauty**, which is piloting its robotic nail polish application at Walmart locations.
What are Market Square Ventures' investment criteria?
Market Square Ventures focuses on early-stage startups in sectors like AI, healthcare, fintech, and more. They prefer companies that demonstrate strong product-market fit and are located in traditionally overlooked regions.
How can I apply or pitch to Market Square Ventures?
Interested parties can email their pitch deck to brandon@marketsquareventures.com. It's advisable to include a clear overview of your business model and market potential.
What makes Market Square Ventures different from other VCs?
The firm specifically targets regions that have been historically overlooked, such as Tennessee and Appalachia, providing essential funding and support to local startups.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Market Square Ventures typically invests between $100,000 and $250,000 in early-stage companies.
What is the geographic scope of Market Square Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on startups in Southeast Asia and the United States, particularly in Tennessee and the Appalachian region.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Market Square Ventures provides strategic guidance, operational support, and access to resources that help startups navigate early-stage challenges and accelerate their growth.
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