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
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
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
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
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
