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Sower Investment Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2003 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. The firm focuses on alternative investments, acting as a sponsor and key investment partner across various asset classes, including farmland, commercial real estate, private credit, and venture capital. Sower emphasizes a disciplined approach to investment underwriting and asset due diligence, ensuring governance control for added security and downside protection.
Currently, Sower Investment Partners manages approximately $500 million in assets under management (AUM) and operates several funds, including the Sower Solas I LP Fund, which specifically targets MedTech, Pharma, Diagnostics, and Digital Health sectors. The firm has facilitated acquisition transactions totaling $1 billion, showcasing its active engagement in the investment ecosystem.
Notable milestones include the upcoming inaugural Sower Summit scheduled for November 18, 2025, which aims to bring together industry leaders and clients to discuss trends and insights in life sciences venture capital.
Sower Investment Partners invests across multiple stages, including Friends & Family, Angel, Seed, Series A, Series B, and Growth Equity. The firm primarily focuses on the healthcare, biotech, and digital health sectors, with a particular emphasis on life sciences within its venture capital activities. Sower employs a fund-of-fund structure, partnering with specialist general partners to optimize investment outcomes.
The firm’s investment strategy is characterized by a disciplined approach to underwriting and asset due diligence, with a strong emphasis on governance control to mitigate risks. Sower seeks teams with demonstrated niche expertise and a track record of generating long-term returns, particularly in life sciences. Their thesis targets truly alternative assets with asymmetric return potential, aligning with their focus on innovative healthcare solutions.
Sower Investment Partners manages a diverse portfolio of funds, including:
Notable portfolio companies include:
Jared Hollinger - CEO & Sr. Managing Partner; founder of Sower Investment Partners with over 18 years of experience in real estate and venture capital. He has served on various non-profit VC boards and is a director at Westgate Bank.
Matt Pickens - CFO & Sr. Managing Director; brings approximately 15 years of experience in private equity and venture capital, focusing on commercial real estate, energy, oil & gas, and healthcare. He leads the firm's investment strategy and due diligence processes.
Ethan Branscum - Partner & Director of Investments – Farmland; specializes in farmland investments and has a strong background in agricultural economics.
Will Suter - Director of Investments – Commercial; focuses on commercial property investments and has experience in real estate development.
Kali Gilbert - Director of Investments – Private Credit; oversees private credit investments and has expertise in credit analysis and risk management.
Chris Chard - General Partner & Managing Director; involved in strategic decision-making and investment oversight.
Tom Chvala - Director of Investor Relations; manages relationships with investors and stakeholders.
Regina Hanson - Director of Operations – Private Credit; oversees operational aspects of private credit investments.
Curtis Leick - Director of Portfolio Management – Commercial; responsible for managing the commercial portfolio and investment analysis.
Saurabh Bharam - Associate; supports investment analysis and due diligence processes.
Joe Platten - Associate; CPA with a focus on financial reporting and accounting.
Jacob Zylstra - Counsel; provides legal guidance on real property and governance matters.
To pitch Sower Investment Partners, founders should use the contact email investors@sowerinvesting.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, team background, and financial projections. Sower values detailed information that demonstrates the startup's potential for growth and alignment with their investment focus.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process given Sower's disciplined investment approach. Warm introductions are preferred, but not mandatory.
Sower Investment Partners hosts the **Sower Summit**, a platform for industry discussions scheduled for November 18, 2025. This event will bring together industry leaders and clients to explore topics related to life sciences venture capital.
Additionally, Sower publishes **The Sower Report**, a quarterly newsletter that provides insights into the firm’s activities and market trends, available for subscription on their website.
In April 2024, Sower Investment Partners announced the upcoming inaugural Sower Summit, scheduled for November 18, 2025, aimed at industry leaders and clients to discuss trends in life sciences venture capital.
In Q1 2024, Sower featured portfolio company Arrivo BioVentures LLC, which focuses on novel drug discovery and development.
In Q2 2024, InterShunt Technologies, Inc. was highlighted for its development of a catheter-based left atrial pressure reduction device for heart failure.
In Q3 2024, Francis Medical was featured for its innovative urological cancer treatment, the Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation System.
What are Sower Investment Partners' investment criteria?
Sower Investment Partners focuses on healthcare, biotech, and digital health sectors, investing across various stages from Friends & Family to Growth Equity. They seek teams with proven expertise and a track record of generating long-term returns.
How can I apply or pitch to Sower Investment Partners?
Founders can pitch Sower Investment Partners by visiting their website at sower.com and using the contact email investors@sowerinvesting.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Sower Investment Partners different from other VCs?
Sower emphasizes a disciplined approach to investment underwriting and asset due diligence, ensuring governance control for added security and downside protection. Their focus on life sciences and structured alternative investments sets them apart.
What is the geographic scope of Sower Investment Partners?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, focusing on sectors such as healthcare and agriculture.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Sower invests across various stages, indicating flexibility in funding amounts based on the stage and needs of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Sower have?
Sower Investment Partners adds value through active governance, strategic oversight, and leveraging its network of industry experts to support portfolio companies.
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