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Relevance Ventures is a Native American-owned venture capital firm founded in 2011, originally as Relevance Capital, a public-private partnership with the state of Tennessee. The firm is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, and has expanded its presence with offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, New York, and Santa Fe. Relevance Ventures manages over $115 million in assets and is recognized as one of the few independent early-stage VC firms in the U.S. owned by Native Americans.
The firm is dedicated to supporting innovative companies that aim to prevent chronic conditions and enhance overall well-being. Relevance Ventures emphasizes a commitment to reparative futures through its investments, focusing on health and frontier innovation. The firm has evolved from its origins as a state partnership to a nationally-focused venture capital entity, backing founders who are addressing significant health challenges.
Relevance Ventures invests in four primary categories of health: Digital Health, Personal Health, Community Health, and Financial Health. Digital Health encompasses solutions that empower individuals to manage their well-being through digital platforms, while Personal Health initiatives prioritize individual health as a foundation for overall wellness. Community Health efforts enhance the quality of life within communities by improving access to essential resources, and Financial Health solutions ensure financial stability as a prerequisite for achieving health and wellness goals.
The firm typically targets early growth opportunities in Series A and B funding stages, focusing on companies with annual recurring revenue between $1 million and $10 million. Relevance Ventures seeks scalable business models that address health challenges through innovative solutions, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, AI, fintech, consumer, biotech, longevity, edtech, food-agtech, climate, and the creator economy.
Relevance Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of innovative companies, including:
This portfolio reflects Relevance Ventures' commitment to investing in companies that enhance health and well-being across various sectors.
Cameron Newton: Co-founder and General Partner with extensive experience in venture capital and a focus on health innovation.
Dean Newton: Co-founder and General Partner, known for his expertise in early-stage investments and strategic growth.
Bryan Hunt: Partner with a background in technology consulting and a focus on scalable business models.
Alice Loy: Partner specializing in community health initiatives and social impact investing.
Connie Mayberry: Partner with experience in financial health solutions and investment strategy.
Kelly Holmes: Partner focused on digital health and technology-driven solutions.
Jason Judge: Partner with expertise in biotech and healthcare investments.
Joseph Ironhawk Little: Partner with a background in Native American entrepreneurship and community development.
Amber Begay: Partner specializing in edtech and innovative learning solutions.
To pitch Relevance Ventures, founders should use the [pitch submission form](https://www.relevanceventures.com/contact/pitch). It is important to include a comprehensive overview of the business, including the problem being solved, the target market, and the competitive landscape. The firm appreciates clear and concise presentations that highlight the scalability of the solution.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, but not mandatory. It is advisable to follow up if no response is received after a reasonable period.
In 2023, Relevance Ventures announced a new investment in **Talkiatry**, a tech-enabled mental healthcare provider, further expanding its portfolio in the health sector. The firm also participated in a funding round for **DietID**, a digital dietary assessment toolkit, which aims to enhance nutritional health.
Relevance Ventures continues to focus on supporting companies that align with its mission of preventing chronic conditions and promoting overall well-being. The firm remains active in seeking new investment opportunities within the health and innovation sectors.
What are Relevance Ventures' investment criteria?
Relevance Ventures focuses on early-stage companies in the health sector, particularly those in Digital Health, Personal Health, Community Health, and Financial Health. They typically invest in companies at the Seed, Series A, and Series B stages, targeting businesses with annual recurring revenue between $1 million and $10 million.
How can founders pitch to Relevance Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitch through the firm's [pitch submission form](https://www.relevanceventures.com/contact/pitch). It is recommended to include a clear overview of the business model, market potential, and how the company aligns with Relevance Ventures' focus areas.
What makes Relevance Ventures different from other VC firms?
Relevance Ventures is one of the few Native American-owned independent early-stage VC firms in the U.S. This unique perspective informs their investment strategy, particularly their commitment to supporting companies that aim to prevent chronic conditions and promote overall well-being.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Relevance Ventures typically writes checks ranging from $500,000 to $3 million, depending on the stage of the company and its specific needs.
What geographic areas does Relevance Ventures focus on?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, with a particular emphasis on those that align with their health-focused investment thesis.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Relevance Ventures provides strategic guidance and access to an extensive network within the health and innovation sectors, helping portfolio companies enhance their business models and navigate growth challenges.
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