About this programme
The InvestTN Regional Seed Fund is a $28 million initiative managed by Launch Tennessee's Capital team, funded through the U.S. Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0). It works alongside Launch Tennessee's network of entrepreneur center partners across the state to get equity investment into early-stage startups.
The fund's goal is to catalyze $10 of private investment for every $1 of SSBCI funding it deploys over a company's lifespan, using conditional commitments as leverage to bring in other investors.
How it works
InvestTN invests between $25,000 and $250,000 per company. Startups must secure a minimum 1-to-1 private capital match, and InvestTN can issue a conditional commitment that founders use to attract that matching investment from angel investors, family offices, or early-stage venture capital.
The process runs through several stages: reading the program materials, an initial intake form, a screening period that can take several weeks, a formal application once approved for screening, due diligence lasting 8 to 12 weeks with meetings, a monthly Investment Committee vote, and finally a conditional commitment once approved. Launch Tennessee has full discretion to approve or deny any applicant at any point in this process.
Who can apply
Startup must be located in Tennessee and work with one of the seven designated regional entrepreneur centers across the state.
The company must have a venture-backable, scalable business model suited for venture funding.
How to apply
- Read the program materials on the InvestTN website.
- Contact your local entrepreneur center and work with its Capital Coordinator before applying.
- Complete the initial intake form on the InvestTN site.
- Go through a screening period, which can take several weeks.
- If approved for screening, submit the formal application; incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
- Go through due diligence, which runs 8 to 12 weeks and includes meetings with the InvestTN team.
- Wait for a monthly Investment Committee vote.
- If approved, receive a conditional commitment and use it to secure your required private match.
Frequently asked
How much can InvestTN invest in my company?
Between $25,000 and $250,000 per company.
Do I need to raise matching money myself?
Yes, a minimum 1-to-1 private capital match is required, and InvestTN's conditional commitment is designed to help you attract that match from angel investors, family offices, or early-stage venture capital.
How long does the process take?
Screening alone can take several weeks, and due diligence after that runs 8 to 12 weeks, followed by a monthly Investment Committee vote.
Do I apply directly to InvestTN?
You start by working with your local entrepreneur center and its Capital Coordinator before submitting through the InvestTN process.
Is approval guaranteed if I meet the criteria?
No. Launch Tennessee has the discretion to approve or deny any applicant throughout the process.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.