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VentureSouth hits $100 million invested in startups
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| VentureSouth's 500+ members (tip: you can join from anywhere) come from a variety of backgrounds, including business leaders, founders, professionals, academics, and retirees. | Photo provided by Venture South |
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Greenville-based VentureSouth has surpassed $100 million invested in early-stage companies across the Southeast, marking a major milestone for one of the region’s most active angel investment organizations.
Since launching in 2008, VentureSouth has invested in 135 startups through more than 350 funding rounds, including AVL's parent company 6AM City. Its investments have helped founders grow companies, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The network now includes more than 500 accredited investors and has supported companies across sectors including software, healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, fintech, and artificial intelligence.
Its portfolio companies — which include Plum Print here in Asheville — have gone on to raise more than $1.5 billion in follow-on capital and create more than 1,000 jobs.
Stay tuned next week for a Q+A with VentureSouth Co-founder and Managing Director Matt Dunbar. |
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News Notes
TravelDid you know Asheville Regional Airport is the third-busiest airport in North Carolina? With air carrier operations increasing by more than 300% over the last decade, it was time for an upgrade. The airport now boasts a new, modern air traffic control tower, helping set the stage for continued growth.OpenTable & Mic is a new community podcast studio and creative space in downtown Asheville, created by Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, CDC. Interested in podcasting, video production, or hosting an event? Their inbox is open. RankedNo. 3. That’s where North Carolina landed in Business Facilities’ 2026 rankings for Best Business Climate nationwide, based on factors like land availability, tax environment, and workforce. NC also placed No. 6 in the Manufacturing Hubs and Customized Workforce Training categories. (Business Facilities) Small BizAfter brothers Kyle and Carter James and chef Gordon Gibbs launched Flour Cafe in the S&W Market food hall in May 2024, the business grew quickly. Now, Flour has a new home — and an expanded menu — in the former Laughing Seed space at 40 Wall St. (Mountain Xpress)ApplyThe deadline for NC IDEA grants is one week from today, and experienced grant reviewer Jay Bigelow has four big pieces of advice for applicants. For one: “Does it pass the mom test? No jargon, no buzzword bingo, no hyperbole. Be clear and concise.”Stat2.7%. IT-related job postings decreased by this amount statewide in July compared to July 2025, also down 12% from June, according to NC TECH’s latest update via its IT Job Trends Dashboard. Explore the data.MailbagLauren S. wrote in to let us know that the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains has received national recognition from the National Association of Home Builders. The organization is now one of the 15 largest local home builders' associations in the US.AnnouncedAfter closing its brick-and-mortar shop in 2024, Asheville-based brand C&Co. Handcrafted Skincare is opening a new location inside the Grove Arcade this September and hiring for retail positions. LeadershipWe love spotlighting local leaders. Nominate yourself or a CEO you’d like to see featured in BizBrief.Try ThisOne of the easiest ways to level up your business? Professional marketing materials. Think: glossy business cards, custom envelopes bearing your business’s logo, and branded letterheads. GotPrint makes it easy to understand your options — order a free sample kit.*BizRunning ads with us is easy. In fact, you can submit, schedule, and be ready to run in under two minutes. See how our self-service portal works.
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Agenda
Editor's PickWomanUP Workshop- Legacy, Gratitude, and other Lasting Truths | 8-10:30 a.m. | Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center | $50 for Chamber members, $65 for non-members | Hear from Highland Brewing owner and operator Leah Ashburn on her experience leading through loss and reframing challenges as moments of possibility.
Tuesday, Aug. 18Explore Asheville Summer Social | 3-6 p.m. | The S&W Market | Free with registration for Buncombe County travel and hospitality partners
Wednesday, Aug. 19Lunch and Learn: Culture: Your Competitive Advantage | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Hendersonville | Free
Midday Mingle at Flying Squirrel | 12-1:30 p.m. | The Flying Squirrel, Arden | Price of purchase
Thursday, Aug. 20PROpel AVL Grow Series: The Power of Showing Up | 12-1 p.m. | Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce | Free with registration
PROpel AVL Connect @ Asheville Art Museum | 6-9 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | Free with registration
Plan AheadBlue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit | Tuesday, Aug. 25-Thursday, Aug. 27 | Biltmore | $250
Fall Workshop Prelude | Saturday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 30 | 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. | Story Parlor | $45
The Grey Eagle Classic Gold Tournament | Sunday, Aug. 30 | 1 p.m. | The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course | $175
Black Business Alliance - Real-Time Lending & Office Hours | Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 5-7 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Community Center | Free |
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Listed
Office, for lease2 Walden Ridge Dr. | 1,591 sqft | $2,784 sqft | Office space with monument signage, private offices, a conference room, workstations, and a break area, plus private courtyard access.Retail, for lease61 Westridge Market Pl. | 1,966 sqft | $2,132 per month | Remodeled space in Westridge Marketplace with strong visibility, signage, and ample parking.Retail, for sale2124 Hendersonville Rd., Arden | 2,262 sqft | $699,000 | Freestanding building in a highly trafficked South Asheville corridor, positioned on a corner lot with high visibility and prominent signage.
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The Wrap
One of my go-to podcasts, NPR’s "Pop Culture Happy Hour," recently shared an episode about its panelists’ dream workplaces from the world of television. Answers ranged from "Ted Lasso" to "The West Wing," for reasons like boss quality, boundaries between work and personal life, and daily impact.
If you had to work in a setting from any TV show, current or not, what would it be? |
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