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Fueling the next generation of innovation in Middle America

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36% of companies founded in the U.S. on average are in the Midwest, South, and Mountain West, yet they only received 20% of VC investments.

Where Companies are Founded

Rest of United States

56%

Mountain West

3%

Midwest

9%

The South

32%

2829 Companies Founded in 2022. 44% of those companies were in the Midwest, South, and Mountain West.

Source: Crunchbase

Funding Breakdown

In 2021, a total of $332.68 bn was invested in companies. Only 13.6% of investments went to the Midwest, South, and Mountain West.

Source: Pitchbook

Funds Invested in $$$ (bns)

% of Funds Invested

300

200

100

0

Midwest

South

Mountain West

All Others

GDP/GPI by Region

The South, Midwest, and Mountain West contributed more than 60% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Personal Income (GPI) to the U.S. economy in 2022 indicating untapped economic potential in these regions.


DVRGNT VENTURES

South

Midwest

Mountain West

All Others

GDP

GPI

0

10

20

30

40

Our venture firm is committed to supporting and investing in the dynamic start-ups and entrepreneurs in the Midwest, South, and Mountain West regions of the United States.

Where we Invest

Business growth concept

Why Now?

M&A

The next 10-15 years will see companies primarily exit via M&A versus IPOs. Corporations will target innovative startups to help make up for the inability to cultivate innovation internally due to continued constraints on resources.


Return to Middle America


The U.S. population is moving at historic rates from large urban areas and the coasts to the suburbs and middle America. The next generation of founders will be from these cities.


Back to Basics Business Fundamentals


Business fundamentals more than ever are the differentiator between resilient companies that can withstand market changes and those that are fads.


Unique Deal Flow

Flowing

Accelerators, State, & University Connections

Numerous relationships with accelerators. state, and college funded programs:: Gener8tor (WI, AL, IL, NE, NV, MN, ND. OH, OK) NewChip, Illinois State Treasurer, 1871, StartOut, Kellogg and more to come

Angel Networks

Relationships with Angel Networks like Portolo Valley Partners, Gaingels, Wealthing VC, etc.


Affinity Relationships

In conversation with groups like Afrotech and Lesbians Who Tech to create opportunities for connections to founders within their networks

Our Founder

  • Southern, Black, transnonbinary lesbian with extensive BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and southern network
  • Executive coach known for accelerating product-market fit with product culture focus
  • Alum of Duke University, Northwestern University, Oxford College, Robert Morris University, and John Marshall Law School with multiple graduate degrees
  • 15-year tech veteran and product leader at companies like Apple, Netflix, Cars.com, Sprout Social, and Publicis Groupe
  • Verified Thought Leader with over 50k+ followers across social media channels
  • Co-Host of The Drops Podcast, one of the Top 25% most shared podcasts globally on Spotify in 2022
  • Selected as a 30 under 30 Windy City Times, 40 under 40 Silicon Valley Business Journal, Queer 50, Top 35 Hero Advocate Executives, LGBTQ Nation Hero of the Year


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Testimonials

"B. has been an incredible asset to Purple Arch Ventures, even prior to their joining our investment committee. Their contextual assessment of our deals reflects a decade-long product career, as well as insatiable curiosity and resourcefulness. B.’s persistence and tenacity made us look great in the eyes of our founders, and we are forever grateful for their service to our most recent fund. B. has all the makings of a stellar venture fund manager, and we’re excited to see what they do.”

--David Beazley, Managing Partner, Purple Arch Ventures, an Alumni Ventures Fund

"“I deeply value B. as an advisor and person. They are someone I trust for clear, candid feedback across multiple areas of our mission. I come away from our conversations feeling lifted by their energy and insight, and I believe Let’sGlo is a better company because of B.’s partnership and support.”

--Matthew Bradley, Founder Let's Glo


Team in a Meeting

Advisors

DVRGNT's advisors with business experience across numerous industries

Alexandria Butler

Legal and HR Expert

Tamarly Danier

Product Expert

Jennifer Purcell

Deal diligence & Compliance

Catherine Jefcoat

Healthcare Expert

Nicholas Belgrave

Risk Leader

Richard Watkins

IP Expert

McCeil Johnson

Accreditation and Compliance

Brandon Parkes

Talent Sourcing

Gunny Scarfo

Consumer Behavior Expert

Leanne Pittsford

Connector

Dr. Michael Mazzeo

Incoming Dean of Olin School of Business

Konstandinou Onwuaduegbo

Operations

Let's work together!

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